01-Miller & Pound-4125-CH-01.indd

The chapters in this book explore both contemporary and historical perspectives relating to some of the theories and approaches which have influenced Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) today. This chapter gives an overview of the structure of the book and its rationale. In the chapter, we signpost some key themes raised in the ensuing chapters and invite you to take a critical stance in relation to the identified themes and to reflect on these in the light of present day issues. The book is divided into three parts: Theoretical and Analytical Positions; Foundational Theories; and Contemporary Theories. In Parts 2 and 3 of the book, the chapters are written by ‘advocates’ of distinctive approaches to ECEC. One dictionary definition of an advocate is, ‘a person who supports or speaks in favour of ’ (our italics) (Allen, 1991). Each of the chapter authors are ‘champions’ of, and passionate about, a particular and distinctive approach to learning and pedagogy, and each approach is underpinned by particular theoretical frameworks. However, theories are not a truth but an explanation and will