Early Childhood Education and Care: Policy and Practice
About this ebook
′This unique resource will be invaluable in helping students and others trying to understand the context of current early years provision. The case studies bring the book to life and ground it in the stories of real children and their families. They highlight how the similarities and differences in support for children and their families are more dependent on where they live than what they need′ - Lesley Staggs
Early childhood education and care policy has an impact on the daily lives of early years practitioners and the families and children they work with, and practising and trainee early childhood professionals need to have an understanding of current policy as well as the contexts for policy-making and implementation. Currently, the majority of textbooks for early years education and early childhood students in the UK focus on the situation in England. As a result, readers may have a skewed perspective on policy and practice, and not be aware of the varying and different contexts in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Also, those working in settings not in England have to work hard to apply texts to their own contexts.
In contrast, this book gives the reader easy access to information on the policies and practices in ECEC across each of the countries in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Each chapter covers:
o background information
o policy and practice in early childhood education and care
o transition
o schooling and curriculum
o quality assurance, examination and inspection
o professional development and training
o future and imminent changes
o case studies of children′s lives.
In addition to describing the legislatory, political and practical situation in each country, the book enables comparisons to be drawn, and helps readers interpret the data critically.
It will be essential reading for modules on comparative education and international perspectives, but will also form a foundation for all modules involving policy and provision on Early Years Education, Early Childhood or Childhood Studies courses. Practitioners undertaking CPD modules or foundation degrees, and international students looking for comparative data will also find the book useful.
About the author
Margaret Clark is Emeritus Professor in the School of History Philosophy and International Relations. Before joining the staff of Victoria University she taught in Malaysian, Australian and North American universities. In conjunction with the Stout Research Centre and the Association of former Members of Parliament she has organised a series of conferences and publications on New Zealand political leaders. She maintains an interest in Southeast Asian as well as New Zealand politics. For many years she co-ordinated the Programme′s first year and Honours programmes. In 2006 Professor Clark was appointed Distinguished Companion of the NZ Order of Merit, redesignated Dame Companion in 2009. In 2010 Victoria University conferred on Margaret Clark the status and title of Emeritus Professor in recognition of her career of valued and distinguished service to the University.
