Many governments have launched the top-down early childhood curriculum (ECC) reforms to enhance the accountability of early childhood education and care (ECEC) services. The present discourse analysis of latest ECC policies across four diverse but representative countries -- Australia, China, New Zealand, and Singapore -- aims to examine the…

During early childhood, economically disadvantaged children can experience challenges that affect their social-emotional, language, and physical health development across the lifespan. Psychologists have tested several interventions to address developmental problems during early childhood, but information about the degree to which economically…

The research synthesis presented here reviewed the currently available evidence on the effectiveness of parent-implemented interventions and family-centered service delivery approaches in early intervention, early childhood special education, and kindergarten through grade three (EI/ECSE [early childhood special education]/K-3). The search for…

The article reports research concerning the potential and actual benefits for young children in engaging in musical activities, whether in the home or outside, such as in community nursery settings and schools. The research literature suggests that music can support a wide range of psychological, social and physical behaviours and development.…

The work of Bruno Bettelheim presents a range of challenges, in respect of its meaning, relevance and, not least, its overall credibility. These have long been apparent in the early years education. Adopting an English perspective, the paper explores a thesis that Bettelheim's work, although fragile in its scientific grounding, has nevertheless…

One of the critical challenges that faces societies today is how to educate children and young people to cope with the ever demanding contexts in which they live. This education must include the relationships and support that facilitate socio-emotional development. This writing explores the work of Pestalozzi, a pioneering pedagogue, who, over two…

This article considers the relevance of Susan Isaacs' practice and research for twenty-first century early childhood education, reflected in two studies conducted discretely nearly a century apart that theorize young children's constructions of knowledge: Isaacs' Malting House School study and the 'Young Children Are Researchers' study. The…

A pioneer in the infant/family field in the United States, Magda Gerber was the founding director of Resources for Infant Educarers (RIE), known for its unique two-generation approach to the care and education of young children. This paper offers a summary of Gerber's teachings from the late twentieth century with citations pointing to their…

The field of early childhood education is propelled by guiding principles stemming from philosophical and child development research positions. While the guiding principles of high-quality early childhood education are influenced by universal and local perspectives, it is critical that early childhood curricula and pedagogy are firmly…

Fredrich Froebel was a scientist, both in instinct and in training, and his life coincided with an important and dynamic period of scientific growth. I take this opportunity to delve both into some history and futurology to examine the heritage and legacy of his work. The usual of interpolation is of reading into data: where there exist some…

As societies become more aware of the importance of early socio-emotional skills for children's later success, teachers report that they are ill-equipped to support and enhance these skills within their 'traditional' teacher role. This paper turns to the contributions that Russian psychologist Lev Vygotsky and his adherents have made to our…

Young children's digital play environments comprise an increasingly large part of early learning experiences, and are likely to have ongoing and enduring impacts throughout life. Research on early childhood educational (ECE) apps has been predominantly considered from researchers' perspectives, with little consideration of all stakeholders. At the…

This manuscript elaborates on the construct of mathematical resilience and the importance of engaging children in mathematically rich conversations from the earliest age. We begin with a review of the existing literature addressing these issues. Since little has been written thus far on how exactly the early childhood facilitators, such as parents…

Science education become one prioritie of modern societies, with the purpose of forming scientifically literate youth and adults. They play an active role in solving the problems existing in society, making critical and informed decisions. In this paper we discuss the need for scientifically literate citizens and the relevance of practical work as…

This paper examines where science fits within the early years foundation stage developmental framework and aims to create an understanding of common science practice within the early years, with particular focus on practice at Balham Nursery School and Children's Centre. Within the paper both theory and a range of practical examples are…