For more than fifty years, the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute has conducted groundbreaking research that revolutionized the field of early childhood care and education. Based on presentations made at FPG’s 50th anniversary symposium, this essential reference looks back on the Institute’s trailblazing history, analyzes contemporary issues in child development, and recommends critical new research directions.

More than a dozen high-profile contributors thoroughly examine the three themes of the anniversary symposium: early care and education, diversity, and children with disabilities and their families. Readers will learn from in-depth chapters on:

•understanding the social, cultural, educational, and political forces that affect children’s outcomes
•meeting the challenge of serving diverse populations as U.S. demographics shift
•preparing practitioners to work with young dual language learners
•improving connections between the knowledge base and professional practice
•strengthening the early childhood workforce through effective professional development
•analyzing decades of research and policy and examining ways to support continuous improvement

A celebration of progress and a compelling call to action for the next generation of professionals, this important volume is a must for researchers, policy makers, and faculty. Whether used as a textbook or a reference, this book will help shape the future of the early childhood field—and improve outcomes for tomorrow’s young children and families.

Foreword by: James B. Hunt