'I read the manuscript of this book at the preparation stage and was impressed with it. I feel now as I did on first reading, that this text should be recommended reading for early childhood studies students at the start of their course' - International Journal of Research and Method in Education`This multi-professional book is just what is needed for students and practitioners, as it raises important issues and challenges, and invites dialogue and reflection in a reader friendly way' - Tina Bruce, Freelance Consultant`The text is timely in the context of the increasing call for interdisciplinary working… it reflects changing theories, discourses and practices and I shall certainly recommend it as an excellent introductory undergraduate students' textbook' - Carol Aubrey, Professor of Early Childhood Studies, University of WarwickAn Introduction to Early Childhood Studies is a comprehensive text that has been designed to provide students with an introduction to the main theories and issues within the field of early childhood studies. The book adopts a multi-discplinary approach and pulls together all the key themes involved in the study of young children and childhood, and successfully demonstrates how these can be translated into real-life practice.Written by a team of leading academics and practitioners, this is a lively and engaging textbook and is illustrated throughout with student-friendly features such as `real-life' case studies and guides for further reading. It is a core text for all those involved in the study of childhood, particularly students in the fields of childhood studies; social work; social policy and education. It is also an invaluable resource for practitioners and policy makers working with children.