This book presents a holistic view of child development that emphasises on being mindful of the child as well as his/her environment. It presents a history of the development of the early childhood education sector in Singapore. This book consolidates the more recent research work that has been done in early childhood education, specifically by researchers from the National Institute of Education, Singapore. It discusses topics focusing on child development and education, teacher training and wellbeing, and the development of culturally appropriate assessment. The content of this book center around the child, with a consideration of influences in the environment that can impact child development.

This international handbook gives a comprehensive overview of findings from longstanding and contemporary research, theory, and practices in early childhood education in the Northern and Southern hemispheres. The first volume of the handbook addresses theory, methodology, and the research activities and research needs of particular regions. The second volume examines in detail innovations and longstanding programs, curriculum and assessment, and conceptions and research into child, family and communities. The two volumes of this handbook address the current theory, methodologies and research needs of specific countries and provide insight into existing global similarities in early childhood practices. By paying special attention to what is happening in the larger world contexts, the volumes provide a representative overview of early childhood education practices and research, and redress the current North-South imbalance of published work on the subject.

This book provides an in-depth understanding of how children’s development at different stages of their lives interfaces with the kind of education and support they need at school and home. It examines closely how education, in turn, influences their development and prepares them for an uncertain future. The chapters focus on the rapid developments of the 21st century that are changing the nature of education, especially the shift needed to being able to sift through and meaningfully deal with overwhelming volumes of information now available. This book helps readers understand how children can benefit from the digital environment while avoiding its pitfalls. Keeping in mind that in today’s world parents are getting to spend less time with their children, the authors provide research-backed ideas on how they can best enable children’s development, including their thoughts, feelings and notions of self. Given the increasing disparities, there is a perceptive analysis of how education can build an awareness of equity in a context marked by diversity and disadvantage. This book addresses issues such as these in a reliable, scholarly yet accessible manner, for students, young researchers and lay readers. Consequently, it is a valuable source of fundamental insights and understanding for educators, policy-makers, educational administrators and students of human and child development, education, and teacher training courses.

The first years of life lay the foundations for a child’s future development and learning. Reflecting on the important role of early childhood education and care (ECEC) services in providing all children with the skills they need to be successful in school, many countries have increased their ...

This book investigates the unique and dynamic approaches to key issues of changing images of child and childhood, by different countries in the Asia-Pacific. Key concepts considered are re-conceptualizing early childhood education and care, re-eaxming early learning standards and redefining professionalism. The Asia Pacific region includes countries belonging to both the Majority and Minority worlds and which vary widely in terms of their cultural geography, social-cultural beliefs, and levels of development, demographic profiles, political systems and government commitments to early childhood services. An international team of experienced researchers from different countries guarantees diverse perspectives. By examining different countries’ policy choices and evidence-based practices, the authors show how best to provide for young children based on their countries’ strategies.

This book provides an up-to-date account of relevant early childhood policy and practice in five Chinese societies: the People’s Republic of China or Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, Singapore, and Taiwan. It analyses how traditional Chinese values, Eastern and Western curricular approaches, and socio-political, economic, cultural and demographic changes influence current policies, services and practice. It addresses responses to global concerns about the excluded and disadvantaged, and about quality, and explains lessons from and for Chinese early childhood education. divThis book is the first English-language research-based review of early childhood education and the factors that affect it in different Chinese societies. It is particularly timely given the increased recognition of the importance of early childhood education for human capital development globally, and the international interest in understanding early education in Chinese societies.iv>