Early Childhood Education [4 volumes]

Early childhood education has reached a level of unprecedented national and international focus. Parents, policy makers, and politicians have opinions as well as new questions about what, how, when, and where young children should learn. Teachers and program administrators now find curriculum discussions linked to dramatic new understandings about children's early learning and brain development. Early childhood education is also a major topic of concern internationally, as social policy analysts point to its role in a nation's future economic outlook. As a groundbreaking contribution to its field, this four-volume handbook discusses key historical and contemporary issues, research, theoretical perspectives, national policies, and practices. A wealth of information provides the user with up-to-date expert entries on a plethora of topics. Over three hundred entries in volumes 1, 2, and 3 cover such topics as: BLaccountability BLassessment BLbiculturalism BLbullying BLchild abuse BLearly intervention BLethnicity BLHead Start BLIDEA BLNo Child Left Behind BLZero to three Volume IV covers the international structure and policies of early childhood education outside of the U.S. via narrative chapters on industrialized and developing nations. Alphabetically arranged entries review selected topics in more detail. Cross-references and further readings provide a research base for diverse users. Countries covered include Australia, Brazil, China, France, Italy, Japan, South Africa, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.