In the short span of three years, infants learn to move with confidence and grace, to converse with ease, to investigate and solve problems, and to help others in need—building an exquisite foundation for all learning that follows. Maguire-Fong has updated her groundbreaking book designed to assist pre- and inservice professionals working with infants and their families. Each chapter draws from research and real-life infant care settings to provide valuable insights into how to design an infant care program, plan curriculum, assess learning, and work with families. This popular resource is inspired by the philosophy of early childhood education developed in the schools in Reggio Emilia, Italy; from the work of Magda Gerber and Emmi Pikler; and from the many dedicated researchers intent on figuring out how infants make meaning.

Praise for the First Edition!

"From its clear explanation of the developing brain of a baby to its enlightened presentation on the art of reflective childcare, I see how many times I will use this work as a resource."

—From the Foreword by J. Ronald Lally, Center for Child and Family Studies, WestEd

"Filled with so many great ideas, evocative illustrations, and practical considerations."

—Ross A. Thompson, University of California, Davis

"Here is everything you ever wanted to know about very young children as 'born researchers.'"

—Elizabeth Jones, faculty emerita, Pacific Oaks College

"Students of early childhood need to have all these important thoughts in their heads."

—Bev Bos, speaker, director, and teacher