The Professional Development of Early Years Educators

This book provides a critical insight into comparative approaches to the professional learning and development of early years educators – taken to include all those working in a professional capacity with young children in educative settings, including home-based care and education. It also analyses leadership development for the early years workforce, and the evaluation of the success or otherwise of professional development initiatives involving early years educators. The book includes perspectives on relevant policy development at local and national levels and critical consideration of research literature on the effectiveness of professional development programmes for early years educators.

The book is essential reading for professionals working in early years settings, for those engaged with the professional learning of early years educators, and for academics researching professionalism in early years education. It provides international perspectives on the professional learning and development of those working in early years education.

This book was originally published as a special issue of the journal Professional Development in Education.

Jane Waters is an Associate Professor and Assistant Dean (Research) in the Faculty of Education and Communities, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, UK. Her research interests lie in adult-child interactions in early years education, child participation and the interplay of space and culture in shaping educational experiences of young children.

Jane Payler is Professor of Education (Early Years), Deputy Associate Dean (Scholarship) and Co-Director of the Children’s Research Centre at the Open University, UK. Her research centres on early years professional and workforce development, interprofessional practice in the early years and children’s participatory learning processes.

Ken Jones is Managing Editor of Professional Development in Education and an Education Consultant working internationally in the fields of professional learning and development and school leadership. He is Professor Emeritus at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, UK.