History of early childhood education -- Types of programs -- Defining the young child -- Developmental and learning theories -- Teaching : a professional commitment -- Observation and assessment : learning to read the child -- Understanding and guiding behavior -- Families and teachers : partners in education -- Creating environments -- Curriculum basics -- Planning for the body : physical/motor development -- Planning for the mind : cognitive development -- Planning for the mind : language development -- Planning for the heart and soul : emotional, social, creative, and spiritual growth -- Issues and trends in early childhood education.