This text uses a socio-historical perspective to examine the major curriculum models-Montessori, Developmental-Interaction, Direct Instruction, Kamii-DeVries, High-Scope, and Reggio Emilia. Its comprehensive coverage looks at each model in terms of purpose and function, impact on early childhood education, theoretical underpinnings, and current evaluations. Unique to this market, this non-traditional text provokes intellectual engagement and reflective practice. Readers will find this edition to be thoroughly updated and completely accessible.