This fully updated new edition of Teaching Practice for Early Childhood will help student and recently graduated early childhood teachers make the most of their teaching in a variety of early years' settings. Chapters cover vital topics such as ways of knowing and relating to children, the early childhood curriculum, and working collaboratively with colleagues and parents. In addition, this new edition takes into account the current demands for quality, accountability and continuity in the early childhood curriculum, and includes fresh material on: the importance of social and emotional development the role of observation in assessing children's learning and growing, and the use of documentation as a form of accountability and teacher research the value of socially responsive learning environments. This authentic, trustworthy and engaging text is written in a style that talks directly to its readers. By presenting the experiences of student teachers, as well as those of beginning and experienced teachers, the author brings into focus real situations, dilemmas, issues and rewards which student teachers are likely to face.