Early Childhood Studies

Rod Parker-Rees is the co-ordinator of Early Childhood Studies and joint programme director for the BA (Hons) ECS at the University of Plymouth, where he also helped to develop the Early Childhood Studies Specialist pathway on the Bed and the BA (Hons) degree in ECS. Before he taught three to five year-old children in Bristol and conducted research with the National Primary Centre (South West). His research interests centre on playfulness, early communication and the role of young children as active social agents. Dr Jan Savage was joint co-ordinator of Early Childhood Studies at the University of Plymouth until August 2005, and helped to create the specialist pathway on the B Ed and BA (Hons) degree in ECS. Shehas always been interested in promoting an inter-disciplinary collaborative approach to Continued Professional Development work in Early Years. She is currently working as a tutor on the national leadership programme for Children Centre leaders, deputies and others across professional boundaries (NPQICL). Jenny Willan teaches on modules with a focus on research methodology. She previously worked in educational research at the University of Cambridge and the National Foundation for Educational Research. She has worked on children′s writing, gender studies and teacher action research.

Introduction
Part 1: Powerful Children: Acknowledging the achievements of young children
Part 2: Understanding Children’s Worlds: Making the familiar strange
Part 3: Working with Children: Opening up opportunities
Part 4: Working in Early Years Teams: Developing empowering communities
Part 5: Researching Practice: Developing a critical mindset