This book supports all candidates for Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) as they prepare for the Validation Process. Through a series of reflective activities based on case studies of successful candidates, this book helps those on the EYP pathway prepare for assessment and build confidence in their own good practice and skills. This second edition incorporates the changes to the assessment requirements introduced in September 2008 and references the new Candidate′s Handbook.

Additional resources available online! Encompassing the Teaching Agency 2012 new-era EYPS standards, this new edition provides up-to-date advice and guidance grounded in current reading, research and government policy for all those training to achieve Early Years Professional Status (EYPS). The new edition features: - the Teaching Agency (2012) EYPS national standards - the new-era EYPS assessment process - explicit information on the new-era EYPS national requirements - ideas and examples of early years leadership and practice - more on how to manage change. The book offers support to those on all four pathways to achieve EYPS: - Undergraduate Entry Pathway (UEP) - Undergraduate Practitioner Pathway (UPP) - Graduate Entry Pathway (GEP) - Graduate Practitioner Pathway (GPP). Each chapter includes case studies, photographs illustrating practice, reflective practice tasks and suggested further reading and useful Websites. Journal articles linked to each chapter are available to read online via the SAGE website at www.sagepub.co.uk/Reardon2e Denise Reardon is Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) Programme Director at Canterbury Christ Church University. ′Denise′s second edition of Achieving Early Years Professional Status is every bit as readable and useful as its forerunner. Updated to reflect both the 2012 EYPS Standards and current government policy, including on safeguarding, this book offers us a menu of engaging explanatory accounts and insights that both support and challenge aspiring and existing Early Years Professionals, so that they can better reflect on their own and others′ practice and take positive actions to improve the life chances of our youngest children.′ - Maureen Lee, Programme Leader for EYPS and Director of Early Years, Best Practice Network

Fully updated to reflect the changes to the Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) qualification, this second edition remains the essential handbook to support all those considering or working towards EYPS and on whichever pathway they embark. Organised into three parts, the text starts by leading you through the initial requirements for entry to the programme, providing an overview of the different pathways. It goes on to focus on the standards against which all EYP candidates are tested, and then finally looks at the new validation process and beyond. Although closely linked to the standards required for EYPS, and their relationship with the Early Years Foundation Stage, the book is not a standard-by-standard manual; it supports you in developing an organic, holistic perspective on childcare and education, combining practical skills with knowledge development. The text includes case studies based on real practice scenarios, ideas for practical activities, further reading, reflection, interviews and advice from EYPS candidates who have successfully negotiated the validation process.

Integrated Children’s Centres looks at the way in which the Children’s Centre development has built upon research and experience of initiatives such as the HeadStart programme in America and the SureStart programme.

This book introduces an intriguing juxtaposition of "caring" alongside "effective", and it is a thought-provoking book. Including examples of early years leaders on their own reflective learning journeys, it provides a rich source of ideas for relational leadership that are firmly based in research and professional experience.′ - Professor Margaret Carr, University of Waikato, New Zealand Effective and caring leadership is an essential part of raising standards and increasing the quality of learning in early childhood settings. This book explains leadership practices that can make a positive difference to the provision offered and improve outcomes for both children and families. With theoretical, practical and research-informed perspectives, this book: Uses case studies to provide examples of effective leadership Integrates education and care with key practices in effective leadership Explores directional, collaborative, empowering and pedagogical leadership Offers readers opportunity to reflect upon their own leadership practices This is a key text for anyone studying Early Childhood, existing and aspiring leaders, graduate Early Years Leaders and those training to work in settings, schools and children’s services. Professor Iram Siraj is Professor of Early Childhood Education at the Institute of Education, University of London. Dr. Elaine Hallet is a Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at the Institute of Education, University of London.

Shortlisted for the 2013 Nursery World Awards! ′The author offers opportunity to reflect upon experience and brings together reflective practice and work-based learning, aiming to support the professional growth of a reflective early years workforce′ -Karen Ward, Senior Lecturer in Early Years, Birmingham City University Work-based reflective learning is a key part of the professional development of practitioners working in the early years sector. The Reflective Early Years Practitioner focuses on the practitioner′s role and development within a wide range of contexts in this area. Informed by empirical research, packed with case studies from a wide range of settings and with points for reflection in each chapter, the author covers: - developing as an early years practitioner - reflective vocational progression - pedagogical examples for continuing professional development - study skills to begin reflective practice - professionalism and reflective leadership in the early years Vital aspects of practice, such as assessing and planning for children′s learning, developing inclusive teaching strategies and integrated practice are highlighted within the chapters. This is essential reading for students undertaking work-based and academic study in early years and for those working towards post-graduate and professional qualifications. It provides readers with tools to continually practice work-based reflective learning now and in the future.

'This is an interesting, comprehensive and up-to-date book, which will be useful not just for students, but for experienced practitioners who want to gain a broader, more strategic understanding of the development of early childhood services' - Early Years Update 'This is a stimulating, well-structured book with excellent references to further relevant research. I am confident students will find this a meaningful key text in their study of early childhood, early years leadership and every aspect of early years education and practice' - Denise Corfield, Edge Hill University Covering the major themes of early childhood education and care, this new edition of a popular book has been updated to cover recent developments in the early years field. Linking theory and practice, it covers Early Years Professional Status (EYPS), the National Professional Qualification for Integrated Centre Leadership (NPQICL) and the new Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Where appropriate, account is taken of the regional differences between policy and practice in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. Chapters look at: children's rights; protecting and safeguarding children; inclusive practice for children with special educational needs; collaborative practice across education, health and social work; child health; appropriate ways to study and gain knowledge of children; theories of modern childhood; children's learning; and international perspectives. There are 5 entirely new chapters on: - working with families - children's well-being - outdoor play and learning - understanding diversity - workforce development and professionalism. With lots of helpful features such as chapter objectives, questions for reflection and discussion and recommended further reading, this new edition also includes: - extra case studies - useful websites - a glossary of key terms. Essential reading for students new to Early Childhood Studies, this book will be a useful source of references and further reading throughout any early years degree programme.