BEGINNING ESSENTIALS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, Second Edition, is a streamlined foundations textbook that introduces readers to the field. This unique book is organized to answer four key questions: What is the field? Who is the child? Who is the teacher? and What is being taught? These four sections address the essentials in early childhood education, emphasizing multiculturalism and developmentally appropriate practice. A friendly design makes reading more enjoyable and information easier to absorb. Special boxed material highlights key issues related to standards, diversity, DAP, professionalism, and ethics. Video features introduce videos of actual early childhood settings that are available on the accompanying website, an invaluable resource that provides opportunities for reflection as well as for personal and professional development.