Review of the first edition: 'This book should be essential reading for every student of Early Childhood. Helen Penn is a highly regarded academic who has the rare ability to write simply and lucidly about complex issues. This eagerly awaited new edition provides a lively critical overview of the field. Highly recommended' - Professor Trisha Maynard, Head of the Department of Childhood Studies, Swansea University, UK. "Understanding Early Childhood" provides students with a clear, user-friendly introduction to a number of difficult concepts and theories in early childhood education. Drawing on research evidence from various countries and reviewing studies about children from different disciplines - including anthropology, economics, history, psychology and sociology - it offers broad and insightful perspectives on the ways in which we understand and study young children.Revised and updated throughout, this second edition covers contemporary theories and debates in a concise and accessible style. It's unique features include: A critical discussion of child development; a broad interdisciplinary approach; a general overview of theoretical approaches and research methodologies; new coverage of global trends about childhood; an important new chapter on the economics of early education and care; updates on the relevance of neuroscience and genetic research to early childhood; 'What to read next' at the end of each chapter; and, the ability to be used by varying levels of students. This book concludes with a postscript on the theme of interdisciplinary thinking and a critique of current policy initiatives in the UK. "Understanding Early Childhood" is key reading for early childhood students and practitioners working with young children.