People Under Three translates child development theory and research into everyday practice. Focussing on the group day care of very young children, it is designed specifically for those who look after them day by day, as well as policy makers, administrators and the managers of child care services. All the practical ideas in the book have been developed and tested in nurseries and family centres. They include detailed guidance on educational play for babies and toddlers and how to care for children's emotional needs. The book also explores the difficult area of child protection and working with parents and children with a variety of problems. People Under Three is an established text for all those training to work with young children or managing day care facilities. This new edition has been completely updated to take account of the expansion and radical changes which have taken place in child care provision since the book was first published and includes new chapters on assessing the quality of care and short-term and intermittent care.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1. Day Care in Context 2. Organizing Space for Living, Learning and Playing 3. The Key Person 4. Managing and Working in a Day Care Centre 5. Babies in Day Care 6. The Treasure Basket 7. The Second Year of Life 8. Heuristic Play with Objects 9. Children in their Third Year 10. Mealtimes 11. Out of Doors 12. Bridging the Child's Two Worlds 13. Children in Difficulties 14. Safeguarding Children 15. Looking Ahead