ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book seeks to equip with a knowledge base which emphasizes the importance of working with children and their families in a holistic way. It aims to develop knowledge and understanding in Early Childhood Studies and a critical understanding of its interdisciplinary nature, so that there is a balance of focus on the health, social care and education of children. The book considers the ethos and environment that encourages children to talk and helps us to evaluate our own environment. It explores the type of adult interaction and the type of questions which encourage children to talk openly and honestly and so enable us to gain a better understanding of them and how we can support their development. The book focuses on early childhood, and the study skills in this part are the important skills of analysis and synthesis.
