Early Childhood Education is the classic, comprehensive, early years text by Tina Bruce, a leading author and expert in the field. This brand new edition is fully updated to reflect current developments in thinking and practice within the dynamic early years sector. An essential core textbook for all early years students and lecturers in Further and Higher Education, it is also an invaluable resource for practitioners, managers, and others involved in the Early Years sector. Early Childhood Education discusses a wide range of subjects from both theoretical and practical perspectives, including: the history of the early childhood, tradition and its pioneering thinkers, key principles in the modern context, the Birth to Three Matters framework, assessment with the Foundation Stage, Profile teaching in the birth to six phase, creating effective learning environments, communication, language and literacy, diversity inclusion and equality working with children, parents and carers the development of integrated services, and the future for early childhood education. Now in full colour with specially commissioned photographs, Early Childhood Education remains the essential introductory text for all those studying, teaching and working within the Early Years sector.