EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION SERIES Includes bibliographical references and index (p. 213-225). Social, political, and historical trends and issues affecting young children -- Policies of the early childhood field and its public: seeking to support young children and their families -- Development issues affecting children -- Valuing cultural diversity in the early years: social imperatives and pedagogical insights -- Working with families of young children: our history and our future goals -- Curricular trends and issues affecting practice -- Developmental appropriateness: curriculum revisited and challenged -- The role of computer technology in early childhood education -- Assessing and reporting young children's progress: a review of the isues -- Playing with play in four dimension -- Trends and issues affecting teacher preparation and professional development -- Perspectives on inclusion in early childhood education -- Early childhood programs: international perspectives -- The professional and social status of the early childhood educator.