Understanding Early Childhood Paradigms, Theory, and Foundations of Inquiry

Part I: Paradigms and the Origins of Theoretical Frameworks

1. Positioning, Perspectives, History, and Paradigms

Part II: Theories of Development, Learning, and Teaching

Modern Theoretical Perspectives

2. Behaviorism Theoretical Framework 3. Constructivism Theoretical Framework

4. Sociocultural Theoretical Framework

Postmodern Theoretical Perspectives

5. Critical Theoretical Framework

6. Poststructural Theoretical Framework

Part III: Theoretical Approaches in Early Childhood

7. Developmentalism and (Re)conceptualism

8. Attachment and Trauma

Appendix A: Theoretical Relation, Intersection, and Contradiction

Biography

Annabelle Black Delfin is the former Director of Research and Program Development at the New Mexico Center of Excellence for Early Childhood Education and an Adjunct Professor at Western New Mexico University, USA.

“Clear, engaging, and thoughtfully structured, this book is an essential resource for undergraduate students seeking to understand the paradigms, theories, and inquiries that shape contemporary early childhood studies.”

Nicola Yelland, Professor of Early Childhood Studies, University of Melbourne, Australia

“This book is a delightful gift to all teachers and scholars in the early childhood domain. It provides a lucid account – which is often missing in undergraduate and postgraduate programs – of the multiple, complex and emergent ways theory works in informing research and practice. For newcomers to the field, but also for old-timers, this book provides a vital handbook that de-mystifies theory and informs them both as researchers and practitioners.”

Bronwyn Davies, Adjunct Professor University of Melbourne, Honorary Professor Western Sydney University, Australia

“Understanding Early Childhood: Paradigms, Theory, and Foundations of Inquiry offers a meaningful synthesis of paradigms and theory while honoring the importance of context, perspective, and multiple ways of knowing. Its emphasis on how beliefs shape practice is especially valuable for educators working across diverse communities. This text supports reflective, culturally responsive early childhood professionals.”

Candi Running Bear, Department of Special Education, University of New Mexico, USA

“This is a well-conceived book that takes scholars and professionals alike on a journey through the ways different theorists conceive of child development and learning. It doesn’t just seek to discuss theories abstractly but also provides examples of how they have been and are currently being applied, as well as how they can be reconceptualized in teaching and learning. This is a book worthy of all those seeking to support children's flourishing across multiple spaces.”

Iheoma U. Iruka, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA

“This textbook is an excellent choice for courses such as educational theories, curriculum and development, research and pedagogy, children's development, learning and growth, and childhood trauma. If you are an instructor seeking a bridge between theory and practice for both undergraduate and graduate students in education, I highly recommend this book. Dr. Black Delfin uses clear, explanatory language and carefully scaffolds complex concepts, enhancing understanding with examples, tables, and figures.”

Wenjie Wang, NM Center of Excellence for Early Childhood Education, Western New Mexico University, USA