"Instructor's edition" -- cover.

Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

History of early childhood education -- Types of programs -- Defining the young child -- Developmental and learning theories -- Teaching : a professional commitment -- Observation and assessment of children -- Guiding children's behavior -- Families and teachers : partners in education -- Creating environments -- Curriculum : creating a context for learning and play -- Planning for the body : physical/motor development in action -- Planning for the mind : cognitive development in action -- Planning for the mind : language and literacy development in action -- Planning for heart and soul : psychosocial development in action -- Issues and trends in early childhood education : four themes.