Early Childhood Education: Becoming a Professional is an inspiring introduction to the world of early childhood education, preparing the teachers of tomorrow to reach their full potential in their schools and communities. Written by a diverse and experienced author team (Kimberly A. Gordon Biddle, Ana Garcia-Nevarez, Wanda J. Roundtree-Henderson, and Alicia Valero-Kerrick), this text engages readers to connect contemporary educational and developmental theory and research to developmentally appropriate practices and applications that are easily implemented in the classroom. In response to today′s ever-changing educational environment, the text focuses on both the importance of taking personal and professional responsibility, as well as today′s issues in diversity―from supporting children with exceptionalities to supporting children and families in broader cultural contexts.
 
Review
“(This Book) has rich information and is well tied to the standards and includes sufficient resources.” -- Su-Jeong Wee
“Professionalism is fully developed and integrated throughout the chapters. The author actually uses the term Professional ECE teacher throughout the chapters. Applying theory to Practical, easy to implement ideas is thoroughly developed throughout the chapters. The policy boxes at the end of the chapters help students understand putting theory and research into practice and this is easily found in the chapters. There is discussion on developmentally appropriate practices throughout the chapters, as well. The theme not mentioned above, Families and Cultural Diversity is also seen within each chapter. The authors definitely placed an emphasis on diversity and I see it throughout.” -- Kimberly K. Sellers, PhD
“It is important to focus on the full range of children, who are considered in early childhood, birth through age eight. This textbook covers all of these age groups throughout the chapters. There are vignettes that focus on different ages. The sample lesson plans have examples for each age group… In my experience, many ECE textbooks focus on birth to age 5, but tend to leave out or not place as much emphasis on the early elementary students. I see more information included on this age group within this text.” -- Kimberly K. Sellers, PhD
· “The chapters are arranged in a logical sequence, beginning with general history, programs, and theories and then going into more focused descriptions of assessment, special needs, diversity, guidance, and curriculum and concluding with trends in the field. It is logical and clear. The chapters are labeled appropriately so that the student has a good idea of what is covered.” -- Kimberly K. Sellers, PhD
“The content is well organized and the ideas are based on current research and best practices.” -- Erin E. Barton
“I love all of (the pedagogical features)! Making connections from the text to the “real world” seems to be the area students struggle in the most- and yet is the most important part.” -- Jody M. Carson
“I like the way the chapters/book covers all three areas (age groups); that has become a major focus in MA and I feel it’s very important for students to have this information. I feel all were covered well and keeping this balance would be very helpful for me as an instructor and for the students.” -- Jody M. Carson
“Students really depend upon examples to show them what is actually being discussed or defined for them. The author does a great job including practical examples in the chapters to help the reader make the connections.” -- April M Grace
“The section on working with parents and the section on addressing cultural and socio-economic differences are so important for students to understand. I don’t always see that in textbooks. Very important! -- April M Grace
“Once I had begun to read, I was drawn in by the author’s writing. I feel students would not feel overwhelmed and lost by reading this text. The writing is very appropriate.” -- April M Grace,
“I enjoyed the Policies and Politics Boxes. They were provocative and I think they would get my students to think deeply and discuss.” -- Michelle Fryer Hanson
“I really like the information about the additional readings and the on the web section.” -- Cheryl J. Hitchcock