'This new early childhood text provides a comprehensive overview of early childhood education in Australia for children from birth to eight years. It reports on a wide variety of significant early childhood topics and is written in a style directed towards early childhood professionals.' - Kim Walters, President, Early Childhood Teachers Association.

List of tables List of figures Dedication Foreword Preface Acknowledgements Contributing authors SECTION 1: CONTEXT OF EARLY YEARS LEARNING 1. Early years in Australia 2. Importance of early years education 3. The nature of the early years learner 4. The nurture of the early years learner SECTION 2: CURRICULUM PRACTICES FOR THE EARLY YEARS 5. Literacy 6. Numeracy 7. Science 8. The arts 9. Digital technology 10. Health and physical education SECTION 3: PEDAGOGICAL PRACTICES FOR THE EARLY YEARS 11. Play-based learning 12. Transitions 13. Partnerships 14. Social and emotional well-being 15. Diversity and differentiation 16. Gifted and talented SECTION 4: ASSESSMENT PRACTICES FOR THE EARLY YEARS 17. Assessment and culture 18. Assessment SECTION 5: IMPERATIVES FOR THE EARLY YEARS 19. Professionalism and leadership 20. Evidence-based practice 21. Gender 22. Community of practice In