Professional learning in early childhood settings

The field of early childhood education is undergoing rapid developments, as evidenced by international recognition of the importance of early childhood education, the implementation of policy frameworks, and substantial funding to improve provision and services in developed and developing countries. At the same time, many questions have been raised about dominant narratives in the field, particularly those that privilege western theories, approaches and worldviews. Susan Edwards and Joce Nuttall have succeeded in bringing together new and established researchers in the field, whose work is focused on the continuing endeavour to reconceptualise early childhood education in relation to social and cultural diversity. They define a clear theoretical rationale for adopting postdevelopmental perspectives by presenting articulate justifications of why beliefs and practices need to change, and the contrasting ways in which such changes can come about. This sets the scene for critical engagement with the dynamic relationships between theory, policy and practice, and for exploring new methodologies.