Harry Morgan lays the foundations of what early childhood education is by integrating the history of the field with the philosophy and theories behind this discipline. From birth to age eight, when children become integrated into society through their education at school and at home, "Early Childhood Education" examines the education of this age group from its historical beginnings to the theories used then and today. The writings and research of philosophers such as Locke, psychologists such as Freud, and pioneers of early childhood education such as Frobel, are covered in this concise text. With lucid and engaging prose, Morgan delineates the beginnings of early childhood education and how it has become an important field of study in education today. This edition has been updated to include recent research and how current practices and culture affect the field today. Also included in this second edition is a new chapter about critical race theory and its implications on early childhood education. Special Features include: (1) New chapter on Critical Race Theory, an emerging and important topic in ECE; (2) Focus on specific individuals pertinent to the field of early growth and development; (3) Clear overview of the theoretical perspectives that guide the practice of early childhood education; and (4) Expanded chapter on Assessment in Early Childhood into the area of Temperament. A preface, a bibliography, a subject index, a name index, and a glossary are included. [For the first edition, "Early Childhood Education: History, Theory, and Practice," see ED493727.]