Educating and caring for very young children

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 physical and social environments. Through case descriptions of actual children, this volume discusses how to accomodate children with different developmental levels, backgrounds, and personalities, including special needs. Finally, they examine infant/toddler curriculum in the context of family, community, and society, and explore ways to enhance curriculum quality.