An Introduction to Early Childhood Studies

′I read the manuscript of this book at the preparation stage and was impressed with it. I feel now as I did on first reading, that this text should be recommended reading for early childhood studies students at the start of their course′

- International Journal of Research and Method in Education

`This multi-professional book is just what is needed for students and practitioners, as it raises important issues and challenges, and invites dialogue and reflection in a reader friendly way′ - Tina Bruce, Freelance Consultant

`The text is timely in the context of the increasing call for interdisciplinary working… it reflects changing theories, discourses and practices and I shall certainly recommend it as an excellent introductory undergraduate students′ textbook′ - Carol Aubrey, Professor of Early Childhood Studies, University of Warwick

An Introduction to Early Childhood Studies is a comprehensive text that has been designed to provide students with an introduction to the main theories and issues within the field of early childhood studies. The book adopts a multi-discplinary approach and pulls together all the key themes involved in the study of young children and childhood, and successfully demonstrates how these can be translated into real-life practice.

Written by a team of leading academics and practitioners, this is a lively and engaging textbook and is illustrated throughout with student-friendly features such as `real-life′ case studies and guides for further reading. It is a core text for all those involved in the study of childhood, particularly students in the fields of childhood studies; social work; social policy and education. It is also an invaluable resource for practitioners and policy makers working with children.

Both editors are based at The University of Wales, Swansea. Trisha Maynard is Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies and Nigel Thomas is Senior Lecturer in Applied Social Studies. Both are highly regarded and well-published in the field of childhood studies