Learn how to replicate a thoughtfully designed, developmentally appropriate learning environment--one in which young children are engaged in responsive, nurturing relationships with caregivers and peers. This book offers an intimate account of a typical day in such a setting. Age-specific chapters describe children's interactions with teachers and peers and the teachers' roles in creating a rich, harmonious environment for play. Also discussed are: (1) the history and theory behind play-based, child-centered teaching; (2) the importance of routines, rules, and transitions; (3) how to build trusting family-teacher relationships; and (4) how to train and inspire staff. The accompanying DVD offers on-site vignettes that vividly illustrate the teaching concepts, as well as a video that provides an overview of BlueSkies for Children, a culturally diverse early childhood program in Oakland, California. Following a forward, preface, acknowledgments and introduction, the book contains ten chapters: (1) The Evolution of Early Care and Education; (2) Premobile Infants (0-16 months); (3) The Physical Year: One-Year-Olds (10-26 months); (4) The Age of Autonomy: Two-Year-Olds (20-36 months); (5) Beginning Social Overtures: Three-Year-Olds (30-48 months); (6) Joie de Vivre: Four-Year-Olds (44-66 months); (7) Ready for Kindergarten: Five-Year-Olds (56-78 months); (8) Routines, Transitions, and Schedules; (9) Staff Relationships and Teacher Training; and (10) Family-Teacher Relationships. Appended are: (1) Author Commentaries on the DVD Vignettes, "Snapshots of Age-Appropriate Teaching and Learning at BlueSkies for Children;" (2) A Philosophy of Respect: Ten Principles of Caregiving; (3) Social/Emotional Developmental Continuum; (4) Stages of Social Play; (5) Kindergarten Readiness; and (6) Sample Letter to Parents about Preschool Learning.