Underpinned by ecological theories of development concerned with children, families and communities, this book provides the reader with philosophical, economic and sociological insights and with the latest thinking emerging from post-humanism. In so doing, it provides tools that enable students to research childhood, to understand the complexities of often seemingly simple matters and to navigate critically ever-changing policy and practice in early childhood. Its breadth, depth and currency cannot fail to impress. - Ian Barron, Professor of Early Childhood Studies, Manchester Metropolitan University Student focused and designed to support critical thinking, this brand new textbook is mapped to early childhood degrees and is designed to cover the breadth and depth of content across the course. Focused on seeing children in the context of the world they live in, it provides students with a range of perspectives and insights to help them understand the complexities of early childhood, develop their own critical ideas and apply theory to practice. A range of features in the book and resources online help students: Get to grips with the basic with: Spotlights on people, policy and practice An extensive Glossary in the book along with online Flashcards Learn from others with: Video insights from academics and practitioners Student perspectives at the start of each chapter Prepare for Assignments with: Further reading resources in the book and online to enable wider reading Spotlights on research and reflection points to develop critical thinking skills Relate to practice with: Case study scenarios of real-life settings Action point activities to put theory into practice