In this book, the author covers the history, theory, and practices that influence early childhood education along with an emphasis on infant and toddler care and education. He also presents a comparison of the conflict between education planners who support early childhood studies and state school systems whose cost-saving measures are dismantling traditional early childhood programs to conform to their misinterpretation of the No Child Left Behind Act. This book provides: Descriptions of child-centered teaching; A description of the role of the government in providing educational support; Recommended instructional strategies; and Guidance for home schooling parents. This book will be of interest to professors, undergraduate and graduate students, and parents. Following a preface, this book is divided into eight chapters: (1) Historical Perspectives; (2) Theoretical Perspectives; (3) Assessment in Early Childhood; (4) How We Know; (5) Public Policy; (6) Developing Literacy in Early Childhood; (7) Play; and (8) The Future of Early-Childhood Education. Also included are: Glossary; Bibliography; Subject Index; and Name Index.