Mine Conkbayir is currently undertaking a PhD in early childhood education and neuroscience. She is a lecturer and training director for the Membership Body, National Early Years Trainers and Consultants (NEyTCO). She is the author of Early Childhood and Neuroscience: Theory, Research and Implications for Practice (Bloomsbury, 2017).Christine Pascal is Director of the Centre for Research in Early Childhood, UK, which undertakes local, national and international research, training and consultancy work for all those involved in early childhood education and care. She is also President of the European Early Childhood Education Research Association.

• AcknowledgementsIntroduction1. An Overview of Theories and Practice in the Early Years'2. Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778)3. Friedrich Froebel (1782-1852)4. Rachel McMillan (1859-1917) and Margaret McMillan (1860-1931)5. Sigmund Freud (1956-1939)6. John Bowlby (1907-1990)7. Jean Piaget (1896 - 1980)8. Lev Vygotsky (1896-1934)9. Jerome Bruner (1915- )10. Colwyn Trevarthen (1931- )11. Urie Bronfenbrenner (1917-2005)12. Neuroscience in the Early Years' 13. Post-modern Perspectives in Early Years' Provision14. Bringing Theory to Life with Action Research15. Using the Lessons from the Past in the PresentGlossaryBibliographyIndex

This book presents a summary of a selection of theories related to early child development (0–3 years old approximately), discusses each theory and then outlines the relation of the theory to practice … By bringing to the reader an understanding of the theories underpinning psychological practice in this field, it aims to ensure high quality, informed responses to the needs of children, their families and communities … This interesting and very readable book is likely to be of most interest to those focusing their work on the very early years of childhood, who are seeking a short overview of some of the influential theories in the field and who are also interested in understanding, questioning and ensuring ongoing enhancement of their own practice.