1. Chapter 2 Early Childhood Education Today
Understanding and Responding to Current Issues

2. T 2.2
Focus Questions
What are some critical, contemporary issues that influence the practice of early childhood education?
What can I do to accommodate cultural diversity in my classroom?
How can I prevent violence and bullying in my classroom?
How can I be politically aware and keep current in the rapidly changing field of early childhood education?

3. Issues Influencing the Practice of Early Childhood Education
Changing Families
Working Parents
Fathers
Single Parents
Teenage Parents
Wellness and Healthy Living
Illnesses
Obesity
Poverty

4. Providing for Cultural Diversity
Multicultural infusion
Foster cultural awareness
Use appropriate instructional materials
Accommodating Diversity: Autism Spectrum Disorder
Diversity
Multicultural Awareness

5. Violence, Bullying and Abuse
T 2.5
Violence, Bullying and Abuse
Violence
Prevent/reduce violence in children’s lives
Bullying
Talk, walk, squawk
Childhood Abuse and Neglect
Reporting child abuse
Seeking help

6. Federal and State Involvement in Early Childhood Programs
Increased funding of early childhood programs
No Child Left Behind Act (Public Law 107–110
Focused attention on developing educational and social programs to serve young children and families
Preschool programs in public schools

7. New Directions in Early Childhood Education
Full-day, full year services
School readiness
Support for whole child education
Early literacy learning
Increased use of technology
The politicalization of early childhood education