This book frames content in a way that defines the "what, why, and how" of becoming an early childhood educator. It prepares readers for the variety of roles (advocate, facilitator, planner, mediator, etc.) they must assume in working with children, parents, colleagues, principals, administrators, and the community at large. Its innovative coverage focuses on helping readers fulfill these roles in a caring, competent, knowledgeable manner, through case studies, verbatim comments, and numerous opportunities for reflection.Organized around the twelve essential roles and responsibilities of effective early childhood educators as delineated by the NAEYCGuidelines for Preparation of Early Childhood Professionals (2000),coverage includes demographic changes in families, advances in psychology, political influences, cultural diversity, and issues of inclusion.For future teachers of children from birth to age 8.