Covers Birth to Age Eight. This new text provides a balance of theory and application to help novices and practicing early childhood professionals understand why and how to set up, arrange, and make changes to early childhood learning environments. Organized largely by chapters on learning centers (literacy, manipulative and sensory, science, mathematics, etc.), the text also covers foundational information such as the emotionally supportive and equitable environment, the role of the teacher, the importance of the environment, design principles, and health and safety. Coverage woven through every chapter includes material for all age groups in early childhood (infants and toddlers through 3rd grade), assessing the environment, meeting the needs of ALL learners, the teacher's role in facilitating learning in the various environments, and ways to address each curricular area outdoors.

It is designed for college courses taught at two and four year institutions that focus on quality early childhood learning environments and curriculum.