Learning Environments for Young Children

Since the early 1900s, librarians have been increasing their focus on serving children. Now more than ever, the work of the children's librarians and service to young children has reached critical proportion. Armed with scientific evidence of the importance of early childhood experiences in brain development, librarians now have an opportunity to position themselves as vital participants and leaders in the education of infants, toddlers and preschoolers, as well as their families and caregivers. This informative guide provides the foundation for understanding developmentally appropriate practices for educating young children. "Learning Environments of Young Children" uses this vision for expanding ideas about library service for infants, young children and their families. Its ideas draw from research, adaptations from related principles and field testing. With ready-to-use measurement tools, "Learning Environments for Young Children" guides you in a self review process that is easily modified according to your resources.
By reviewing and evaluating services, librarians can effectively develop a quality learning environment for young children and compete professionally in the early childhood education arena. "Learning Environments for Young Children" provides the background information, logical analysis and quality assurance tools to enable librarians to take a leadership position in the provision of services essential for quality early childhood learning.