The Early Years Handbook for Students and Practitioners ─ An essential guide for the foundation degree and levels 4 and 5

The Early Years Practitioner’s Handbook is a comprehensive and accessible course text for all students working at levels 4 and 5 on a Foundation Degree or Early Childhood Studies degree. Designed and written by a team of expert contributors from the Sector Endorsed Foundation Degree for Early Years committee, it covers the essential skills, knowledge and understanding you need to become an inspiring and effective early years practitioner.

Divided into the four parts – the student-practitioner-professional; the learning and development of children; the child, family and society; and the senior practitioner-professional – the book covers all aspects of working with young children engaging you with theory that is explicitly linked to your practice. Throughout there is a strong emphasis on supporting your transition to undergraduate study and developing your academic skills.

In every chapter, the book seeks to help you develop your professional identity and features:

• Provocations and pauses for thought to help you reflect on your own practice
• Case studies and photographs to illustrate key points
• Examples of children’s activities to clearly link theory to practice
• Student activities to promote discussion and debate

The book is supported by a companion website featuring additional case studies, reflective tasks and activities, helpful links to further information, links to relevant video material and interviews with students discussing challenges they faced on their course and how these were overcome.

Lyn Trodd is Senior Lecturer in Education and Head of the Children’s Workforce Development at the University of Hertfordshire, UK. She is the Chair of the SEFDEY (Sector-Endorsed Foundation Degree in Early Years) Network.