1 Introduction Working with Young Children is designed to help you prepare for a career in early childhood education. It teaches practical techniques to guide children through a variety of daily experiences in safe, educational ways. Success in working with children begins by understanding children’s growth and development. This book starts with an overview of the physical, intellectual, social, and emotional characteristics of young children. Using this information will help you plan for and foster children’s growth with confi dence that your actions are developmentally appropriate. Once you understand children, you are ready to develop and build your guidance skills. This text teaches you practical strategies for guiding children as you establish rules and handle daily routines. It also gives helpful suggestions for dealing with guidance challenges. An important part of working with young children is creating a safe, healthy, and stimulating learning environment. As you read this text, you will learn strategies for keeping children safe, healthy, and well-nourished. In addition, you will learn to provide experiences that build children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. Working with Young Children prepares you for other important aspects of nurturing young children. These include planning developmentally appropriate curriculum and developing strategies for involving parents in early childhood education programs. The book also prepares you to handle special concerns related to infants, toddlers, school-age children, and children with special needs. Finally, the book prepares you to launch a career in early care and education, helping you explore the types of programs and refi ne your job search skills.