The second edition of this best-selling textbook provides students and practitioners with a broad introduction to, and critical analysis of, the main theories and issues within the field of early childhood studies. The book adopts a multi-disciplinary approach and pulls together all the key themes involved in the study of young children and childhood, and successfully demonstrates how these can be translated into real-life practice. Written by a team of leading academics and practitioners, this is a lively and engaging textbook and is illustrated throughout with student-friendly features such as "real-life" case studies and guides for further reading. The chapters cover all key aspects of the curriculum, including: the sociology of childhood; child health; child development; and the realities of working with children. This thoroughly updated and revised new edition also includes completely new chapters on research with children and leadership in early year settings. It is a core text for all those involved in the study of childhood, particularly undergraduates in the fields of child social care, social work, social policy and education. It is also an invaluable resource for practitioners and policy makers working with children. Part One, Perspectives on Childhood, includes: (1) Childhood in Different Cultures (Bob Sanders); (2) Childhood through the Ages (Roy Lowe); (3) Sociology of Childhood (Nigel Thomas); and (4) The Globalisation of Early Childhood Education and Care (Helen Penn). Part Two, The Developing Child, includes: (1) Thinking and Cognitive Development in Young Children (Ruth M. Ford); (2) Young Children's Social and Emotional Development (Tricia David); (3) Language Development in the Young Child (Thea Cameron-Faulkner); and (4) Play and Development in Early Childhood (Justine Howard). Part Three, Policy and Provision for Young Children, includes: (1) Early Childhood Policy and Services (Sonia Jackson and Mary Fawcett); (2) Children's Rights and the Law (Nigel Thomas); (3) Early Childhood Education Matters (Iram Siraj-Blatchford); (4) Child Welfare and Child Protection (Bob Sanders); (5) Child Health (Liz Noblett); and (6) Inclusive Policy and Practice (Guy Roberts-Holmes). Part Four, Developing Effective Practice, includes: (1) Child Observation (Bob Sanders); (2) Undertaking research with children (Alison Clark); (3) Interagency and Multidisciplinary working (Bob Sanders); and (4) Effective Early Childhood Leadership (Carol Aubrey). [For the first edition, see ED486649.]