This new, concise introductory text helps pre-service teachers to first understand the basics of developmental domains and then understand how to engage in intentional, developmentally appropriate interactions, create environments, and implement curricular practices that will help them to learn and thrive. Taking a developmental approach, this first edition text with integrated technology explores both time-honored theories of early childhood development and current models and modern research in the field. Part One of the text discusses the career options of early childhood professionals, the history of the field, and theories of childhood development. Part Two discusses how teachers support childrenrs"s emotional, social, cognitive, and physical development. The final section of the book explains how to use assessment and guidance to support children and how to implement developmentally appropriate curriculum in the classroom.