Beginning Essentials is a condensed foundations textbook that introduces the early childhood student to the field, the child and age range, the teacher's role, the environment, and major issues in the field of early childhood education. Designed to assist students in gaining the knowledge and skills needed to become effective, competent teachers and caregivers, the content is presented in four distinct sections of the text. Each section is designed to answer one of the key questions every student of early childhood education wants answered: What is the Field? Who is the Child? Who is the Teacher? and What is Being Taught? The text places an emphasis on multiculturalism and developmentally appropriate practice, and many voices from the field are presented, maintaining that there are many authoritative voices to learn from. Special features of the text include Our Diverse World sidebars, which weave issues of diversity throughout the text; What Do You Think boxes, which connect the reader to the content presented; and a chapter devoted to history and issues. This well-organized material is enhanced by a host of sidebars, photos, chapter activities, and integrated technology. Notations about Developmentally Appropriate Practice are interspersed throughout so that new and continuing teachers can see the many right ways of teaching children.