The idea for this book arose from presentations delivered at two conferences in Tartu and in Tallinn in Estonia. These conferences brought together many professionals and researchers working in early education, many from Europe, and also Australia and the USA. This book, written by 37 authors, consists of chapters about the development of early childhood education, children’s developing skills and the early childhood curriculum, and about the role of early childhood teachers. Further topics are the role of parents in early childhood education, and the work with children with special needs in the preschool. The book will be of interest to those interested in early childhood practice and policy.

Marika Veisson is Professor of Early Childhood Education and Educational Psychology at Tallinn University (Estonia). Eeva Hujala is a Professor of Early Childhood Education at the University of Tampere (Finland). Peter K. Smith is Head of the Unit for School and Family Studies, and Professor of Psychology, at Goldsmiths, University of London (UK). Manjula Waniganayake is an Associate Professor (PhD) at the Institute of Early Childhood, Macquarie University (Australia). Eve Kikas is Professor of Early Childhood Education and Educational Psychology at Tallinn University (Estonia).

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