Families and the earliest years

Chapter 1, “Families and the earliest years”, introduces the topic by discussing the concept of family in the 21st century. Fractured, broken, split, single parent, unmarried mother, and absent father are historical descriptive terms which imposed disadvantage upon a family through implication of sub-standard parenting. Current understanding of family is associated with the ability and capacity to provide care, to educate, and to nurture a child by one or more attachment figures. Environments and learning in the early years are reviewed from parent and toddler groups to registered nurseries and family services. Illustrative examples give clarity to the reader in linking theoretical frameworks to the minutiae of daily practice informed by professionals and parents working together. Two theories are presented to support comprehension of the topic by focusing on the professional-parent relationship and the process of learning.