Product Overview
Hyson and Tomlinson do not simply provide a straightforward and comprehensive view of early childhood education; they humanize it through the experiences of children, families, and early childhood professionals. They leave the reader with a clear understanding of the myriad of ways in which high-quality early childhood education programs matter in the early years, and they matter a lot.''
--From the Foreword by Jacqueline Jones, independent educational consultant and former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Early Learning, US Department of Education
''One small volume--a lot that matters! Through insightful stories, facts, figures, and reflections the authors capture the essence of why the early years are so important to the children who live them and to the adults entrusted with children's care and learning. Starting with a mountain of cutting edge material, Hyson and Tomlinson have made excellent choices about what information to highlight and how. As a result, The Early Years Matter is compelling reading for newcomers to the field as well as for seasoned professionals. It is a book that everyone who cares about future generations should read, think about, and then read again.''
--Marjorie Kostelnik, Dean, College of Education and Human Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
This accessible and engaging work introduces current and future teachers, child care providers, and others interested in early childhood education to the importance of the early years in children's well-being and success. It summarizes the research on the value of high-quality services for young children, families, and society, showing why early education matters both today and into the future. Emphasizing the need to understand and respect young children's strengths and unique characteristics, the authors offer inspiration for working in the field, as well as addressing the realistic challenges of implementing developmentally appropriate care and education.
Each chapter begins with an introductory vignette focused on one child whose experiences are typical of other children in the same age group or life circumstances, using that child's experiences to draw out what the best research tells us about why early care and education matters for that group of children. The book also features first-person narratives by early childhood professionals working in a range of positions who offer insight into the complexity and joys of working with or on behalf of young children. Suggestions for further reading and concluding questions for reflection, dialogue, and action make The Early Years Matter a perfect resource for courses and professional development.
Chapters:
1. Introduction: Opening Doors to Learning for Young Children and Their Families
2. The Early Years Matter for Babies and Toddlers
3. The Early Years Matter for Preschoolers
4. The Early Years Matter for Children in Kindergarten through 3rd Grade
5. The Early Years Matter for Children in Low-Income Families
6. The Early Years Matter for Children Who Experience Violence and Stress
7. The Early Years Matter for Children with Disabilities
8. The Early Years Matter for Children with Challenging Behavior
9. The Early Years Matter for Children in Immigrant Families
10. The Early Years Matter for Children in Developing Countries
11. The Early Years Matter for Our Future
