Includes bibliographical references and index

Governing American early care and education : shifting from government to governance and from form to function / Sharon Lynn Kagan & Kristie Kauerz -- The role of government in early care and education : an international perspective / Gale Flynn -- Programs for infants and toddlers / Donna Wittmer & Sandy Peterson -- Quality in programs for young children / Gerrit Westervelt, Annette Sibley & Diana Schaack -- Children’s readiness for success in school / Catherine Scott-Little -- The early childhood education workforce / Sharon Lynn Kagan, Erica Greenberg, Kristie Kauerz & Kate Tarrant -- The professional development of teachers of young children / Nancy Barbour & Martha Lash -- What do early childhood educators need know and do to work in urban settings? / Frances Rust -- Professionalism and ethics in early care and education / Nancy Freeman & Stephanie Feeney -- Curriculum in early childhood education : teaching the whole child / Eva Moravcik & Stephanie Feeney -- Play theory and practice in contemporary classrooms / Stuart Reifel & John A. Sutterby -- Early learning standards and developmentally appropriate practice : contradictory or compatible? / Sue Bredekamp -- Educating young children with developmental differences : principles of inclusive practice / Bruce Mallory & Beth Rous -- Diversity and early childhood education : making room for everyone / Rebecca New & Maggie Beneke -- Assessing young children / Alice Galper & Carol Seefeldt -- Evaluating programs for young children / Cynthia Paris -- Partnerships with families / Janet Gonzalez-Mena -- Advocacy for young children / Linda Buck & Barbara Willer.