Suitable undergraduate degree programmes in Early Childhood Education and Care in Institutes of Technology and Colleges of Education. This textbook has been written by educators, practitioners and policy experts from across Ireland, this book is organised in four parts:

• Part 1: Theoretical Underpinnings of Early Childhood Education and Care

Introduces students to the key concepts and theories from a range of relevant disciplines, enabling them to make sense of a child's place in the world.

• Part 2: Approaches to Early Childhood Education and Care

Demonstrates the richness and breadth of pre-school learning models, describing the numerous theoretical and practical perspectives in early education and care.

• Part 3: Pedagogy and Learning

Explores the different types of environments and situations contributing to young children's learning and reinforces the importance of engaging with parents and the community.

• Part 4: structures and Issues

Outlines the unique character of the ECEC sector in Ireland, while also highlighting the importance of ethics and the significance of diversity in ECEC practice.