Educating and Caring for Very Young Children: The Infant/toddler Curriculum

With the number of infants and toddlers in group care increasing, this important work offers a timely contribution to early childhood learning practices. Expanding on the idea of curriculum as a dynamic, responsive experience rather than a rigid learning structure, the authors stress the need for education along with nurturing for very young children. They focus on play as the basis for curriculum and show how infant/toddler "educarers" can combine theory and practice, taking into account both the physical and social environments. Through case descriptions of actual children, this insightful volume discusses how to accommodate children with different development levels, backgrounds, personalities, and special needs. Finally, the authors examine infant/toddler curriculum in the context of family, community, and society, and explore ways to enhance curriculum quality. Based on up-to-date research, this book is an essential tool for early childhood educators and educarers, administrators, parents, and all involved in the care and development of young children.