The primary strength of BEGINNINGS AND BEYOND, 8TH EDITION, is its blend of simplicity and depth. In a clear and easy-to-understand style, the book's five sections lay out basic questions any student of early childhood education would want answered. At the same time, the chapters present key concepts, the latest research, and practical examples so that questions are thoroughly answered. Coverage of the current Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP) are woven throughout the text and highlighted by new margin icons and DAP footnotes for easy reference. Diversity and development are also integrated throughout the text, enabling readers to understand that issues of age, gender, race/ethnicity, ability, and family are part of every aspect of teaching and learning. Every chapter has an article by an educator that highlights a relevant topic, showing students of early childhood education that there are many authoritative and experienced voices to learn from, both from the past and present. Finally, through its tone, numerous visuals, and carefully crafted pedagogy, the book is accessible to and respectful of readers with a range of abilities and learning styles.
About the Author
Ann Gordon has been in the early childhood field for over 45 years as a teacher of young children, of parents, and of college students. She has taught in lab schools, church-related centers, and private and public preschool and kindergarten programs. While at Stanford, Ann was at the Bing Nursery School for 11 years and was a lecturer in the Psychology Department. For 10 years she also served as an adjunct faculty member in four colleges, teaching the full gamut of early childhood courses. Ann served as executive director of the National Association of Episcopal Schools for 14 years, where more than 1,100 early childhood programs were a part of her network. She is now consulting in the areas of early childhood curriculum governance and professional development.
Kathryn Williams Browne has been a teacher most of her adult life: a teacher of young children for nearly 20 years, a guide for parents of the families she served, and, more recently, a parent educator and an instructor of college students for more than 15 years. Her work with children includes nursery school, parent cooperatives, full-day child care, prekindergarten and bilingual preschools, and kindergarten and first grade. Kate's background in child development research led her to choose early childhood education. While a Head Teacher at Bing Nursery School and a lecturer with Stanford University, Kate developed a professional relationship with Ann Gordon that blossomed into work in teacher and parent education. Moreover, her role as a parent has influenced BEGINNINGS AND BEYOND: her two children were born during the first two editions, so the book grew along with them. Recent work as a consultant and public elementary school board trustee has offered Kate new perspectives on schools, reform, and collaboration. Working closely with her students while teaching in two community colleges over the last decade, she has gained constructive insights that inform this text in every revision.