• Outlines the historical and legislative perspectives of special needs in Ireland detailing key Irish legislation, i.e. EPSEN Act 2004, Disability Act 2005 and the Equality Act 2004, and its implications

• Introduces the student to a range of special needs conditions, detailing the causes, diagnosis and prognosis of each

• Highlights the effect of both verbal and non-verbal communication as a tool used in developing relationships with children with special needs

• Positions the role of the special needs assistant in relation to other stakeholders, i.e. family, teachers and other professionals

• Provides information on resources, services and facilities available in Ireland to children with special needs

• Identifies the principles of good practice in policies and procedures

• Includes a sample special needs case study with guidelines and information on completing assignments relating to courses on Special Needs

Examines child development under 5 key areas:

Overview of Child Development - Explores key issues, concepts and debates in child development such as nature v nurture, continuity v discontinuity, early v later experience, normative development

Physical Development - Describes the physical development of the child from pre-natal to 6 years, listing the various milestones throughout

Cognitive & Language Development - Introduces the theories and stages of both cognitive and language development for the years 0–6, with particular focus on how to promote development in these areas

Social & Emotional Development - Explains the theories and stages of emotional and social development in children from 0–6 years, with emphasis on self-image, self-esteem and child behaviour

Primary research in Child Development - Details observation as a research tool, highlighting its purposes, methods and constraints - Provides detailed instructions on how to approach, research and present single observations; addressing the five areas of development with children of various ages

New to this edition: • Features a number of important policy developments of relevance, including: – The establishment of the Office of Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (OMCYA) and the Early Years Education Policy Unit – The development of Síolta – the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education by the Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education (CECDE) – The developments on a National Framework for Early Learning by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment

Introduces recent changes in legislation and service provision in Ireland, including the recently revised pre-school regulations

Incorporates essential information relevant to the Irish childcare situation

Provides a strong and integrated focus on policies, laws & services within the context of Irish childcare

Represents recent developments in the childcare sector, with particular attention to children’s rights and equality

Contains class exercises in the form of case studies, scenarios, activities and discussion topics in all sections

• Presents a socio-historical perspective tracing the evolution of early education in Ireland through to present day

• Analyses and critiques current early childhood policy development and implementation

• Contextualises international research findings on young children’s development and learning, the role of practitioners and the critical importance of the learning environment as applied to children’s everyday experiences and setting practice in Ireland

• Introduces the concept of a nurturing pedagogy, and explores its potential to integrate care and education in practice

• Complements other developments in the field in Ireland such as Síolta – the National Quality Framework and the National Framework for Early Learning

• Foreword written by Elly Singer (Assoc. Prof at the University of Utrecht and University of Amsterdam and leading author in the area of childcare)

• Written for those studying Early Childhood Education at degree, or postgraduate level in Institutes of Technology, Universities and some Senior Colleges

• Also suitable for students taking Primary Teaching and Montessori courses

• Explains lifespan development from conception to old age, and is supported by Irish facts, research, statistics and context

• Introduces and discusses key debates within psychology, such as nature vs. nurture and critical vs. sensitive periods of development, by using contemporary case studies and findings

• Examines the stages from infancy to adolescence within the framework of physical, cognitive and socioemotional theories

• Visually well presented with each chapter containing: – Chapter outline and objectives – Keywords in definition boxes – Case study displaying application of theory and issues – A focus on a contemporary issue relating to each chapter content, making the learning experience very real – Recap of key points at end of chapter to aid revision and learning

• Always keeping the learner in mind, it is written in an accessible language and promotes easy understanding of key concepts and theories

Law of Child Care examines the relationships that exist between the State and the family, and the restrictions placed by Articles 41 and 42 of the Constitution on State intervention in the life of the family to protect vulnerable and at-risk children.

Introduces the basic concepts underlying policy, practice and provision in this area

Traces the development of Special Education policy and practice in Ireland within a European and international context

The Education of Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 (EPSEN) permeates the text

A discursive approach is used in presenting the philosophical and ethical issues underlying relevant policies and provision

Refers to relevant Irish research on issues within this area

Reflective questions and/or case studies are provided at the end of each chapter

Suitable for undergraduate students in primary teacher education, and students completing the Higher Diploma for post-primary education

• Provides a clear interpretation of all child legislation and examines the implications of legislation for early childhood education and care • Emphasises the care contract that exists in childcare in Ireland, how those working with children are charged with working in the best interests of the child and how this is enshrined in our laws WRITTEN FOR: All childcare courses and for those working with children in any capacity