For introductory courses in teaching Kindergarten and Preschool. The only text available that specifically addresses the kindergarten year and kindergarten readiness, it enables students to become highly skilled and effective teachers with three, four, and five year old children, their families, and the community. The goal of this comprehensive guide is to provide readers with the knowledge of how three, four, and five year olds behave and learn and to offer information about materials and activities that can be used in their professional careers, thus providing a solid foundation on which to develop teaching skills. Changes to the second edition include an expansion of coverage to include three-year olds, expansion of coverage of parent involvement and of diversity, and a new chapter on social studies.