Grounded in recent research on the challenges of working with two-year-olds, Places for Two-year-olds in the Early Years explores how this often overlooked age group is presented in policy and practice, and discusses why working with two-year-olds can be both exciting and highly rewarding. The book builds on theoretical understandings of child development, high-quality provision and pedagogical practice, to offer practical solutions for working effectively with two-year-olds and their families in a variety of early years settings.

Chapters focus on the specific needs of two-year-olds and the accompanying demands made on settings and practitioners. Many topics are also approached from a practical perspective, prompting readers to consider their own experiences of working with two-year-olds. The book explores:

• understandings of ‘high quality’ education and care
• varying workforce requirements and professional development
• how practitioners develop knowledge(s) about working with two-year-olds
• physical and social environments for two-year-olds
• the role of the adult or key person in supporting children’s development
• provision of services for disadvantaged two-year-olds.

With reflective questions and annotated further reading included throughout, Places for Two-year-olds in the Early Years is essential reading for practitioners, policy-makers and students involved in this often overlooked area of early years provision.