Table of Contents Part 1 ΓÇó Early Childhood Education and Professional Development Chapter 1 You and Early Childhood Education: What Does It Mean to Be a Professional? Chapter 2 Current Issues and Public Policy: Contemporary Influences on Children and Families Chapter 3 Observation and Assessment for Teaching and Learning: Effective Teaching Through Appropriate Evaluation Part 2 ΓÇó Foundations: History and Theories Chapter 4 The Past and the Present: Prologue to the Future Chapter 5 Theories Applied to Teaching and Learning: Foundations for Practice Part 3 ΓÇó Programs and Services for Children and Families Chapter 6 Early Childhood Programs: Applying Theories to Practice Chapter 7 Child Care: Meeting the Needs of Children and Families Chapter 8 The Federal and State Government: Supporting Children's Success Part 4 ΓÇó Teaching Today's Young Children: Linking Development and Learning Chapter 9 Infants and Toddlers: Foundation Years for Learning Chapter 10 The Preschool Years: Readiness for School and Life Chapter 11 Kindergarten Education: Learning All You Need to Know Chapter 12 The Primary Grades: Preparation for Lifelong Success Chapter 13 Technology and Young Children: Education for the Information Age Part 5 ΓÇó Meeting the Special Needs of Young Children Chapter 14 Guiding Children: Helping Children Become Responsible Chapter 15 Multiculturalism: Living and Learning in a Diverse Society Chapter 16 Children with Diverse Needs: Appropriate Education for All Chapter 17 Parent, Family, and the Community Involvement: Building Partnerships for Student Success Appendix A NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment Appendix B NAEYC Guidelines for Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth Through Age Eight Appendix C Time Line: The History of Early Childhood Education Endnotes Glossary Index