Designs for Living and Learning: Transforming Early Childhood Environments

Deb Curtis: Deb Curtis has spent the past 35 years working with children and teachers in early childhood programs, observing and studying children and the teaching and learning process. Along with teaching children, Deb has worked with early childhood educators in college settings, seminars, and institutes all over North America, New Zealand, and Australia. She has been working as a toddler teacher for the past five years and is the coauthor of eight books related to working with young children. Deb holds a master's degree in human development from Pacific Oaks College.Margie Carter: Margie Carter has worked in the early childhood field as a teacher, director, college instructor, coach, and consultant for nearly 50 years. She has coauthored eight books and traveled across the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand to present to early childhood professionals. Margie's work challenges early childhood educators and caregivers to expand their thinking about what children, families, and staff deserve in programs. She works to ensure that all quality enhancement efforts are focused on reflection, not just compliance. Margie holds a master's degree in human development from Pacific Oaks College.

You likely have dreams for your early childhood environment that are greater than rating scales, regulations, and room arrangements. Designs for Living and Learning has been a favourite resource among educators and caregivers for more than a decade, and this new edition is packed with even more fresh ideas that can be used as you create captivating environments that nurture children, families, and staff while supporting children's learning.

Working TOCAcknowledgementsIntroduction (Expanded, updated)Chapter 1 (Expanded) Laying a Foundation for Living and LearningChapter 2 (Expanded) Creating Connections and a Sense of BelongingChapter 3 (Expanded) Keeping Space Flexible and Materials Open-EndedChapter 4 (Expanded) Designing Natural Environments That Engage Our SensesChapter 5 (Expanded) Provoking Wonder, Curiosity, and Intellectual EngagementChapter 6 Engaging Children in Symbolic Representation, Literacy, and the Visual ArtsChapter 7 Enhancing Children's Use of the EnvironmentChapter 8 (Strengthened and expanded) Facing Barriers and Negotiating ChangeChapter 9 (New, will focus on transforming an environment, outlining the process involved and including before and after photos. This may include something about how coaches or consultants can guide the process.)Appendix A ResourcesAppendix B Tools for Assessing Your Environment