Early Childhood Education: Becoming a Professional is an inspiring introduction to the world of Early Childhood Education, preparing the educators of tomorrow to reach their full potential in their schools and communities. Written by a diverse and experienced author team, this text engages readers to connect the most modern educational and developmental theory and research to developmentally appropriate practices and applications that are easily implemented in the classroom.

Features include:

• Chapter-opening Vignettes—about a teacher, program, child, or family—connect concepts and theories to the realities in and out of the classroom.


• Reflection, Analysis, and Application Questions at the end of chapters help readers delve deeper into the chapter material, reflect upon and critically analyze the concepts and examples, and apply it all to real-world situations.


• Each chapter ends with two annotated lists, Additional Readings and On the Web, which provide information on books, peer-reviewed articles, and websites that guide readers in finding further information and expanded perspectives on chapter topics.


• A unique chapter on Mathematics, Science, and Technology (Chapter 13) provides future early childhood educators the tools needed to incorporate these topics into their classroom.

In response to today’s ever-changing educational environment, it provides a greater focus on the importance of taking personal and professional responsibility, and it helps readers understand the importance of diversity—from individual inclusion to broader cultural contexts.