Final Version May 5 07

Contents
Abstract ............................................................................................................................... ii
Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................ iii
Dedication ......................................................................................................................... vii
Chapter One: The Early Childhood Education Journey ..................................................... 1
Introduction to the Study ............................................................................................. 1
Purpose of the Study ................................................................................................... 3
Background ................................................................................................................. 6
Inquiry Framework ..................................................................................................... 7
Definition of Terms ..................................................................................................... 8
Underlying Principles ............................................................................................... 11
Relevance of Study ................................................................................................... 14
Personal Background ................................................................................................ 15
Work Experience ....................................................................................................... 26
Audience ................................................................................................................... 36
Assumptions and Limitations .................................................................................... 37
Chapter Two: The Journey’s Backdrop: The Professional Landscape
(Literature Review I) ......................................................................................................... 39
Introduction ............................................................................................................... 39
Current Status ............................................................................................................ 46
Conclusion ................................................................................................................ 83
Chapter Three: The Journey’s Vehicle: Early Childhood Education Curriculum
(Literature Review II) ....................................................................................................... 85
Introduction ............................................................................................................... 85
The Reggio Emilia Approach ................................................................................. 106
Implications of Emergent Curriculum .................................................................... 121
Chapter Four: Methodology ............................................................................................ 142
Research Study Overview ....................................................................................... 142
Data Collection Methods ........................................................................................ 155
Data Analysis Methods ........................................................................................... 160
Conclusion .............................................................................................................. 166
Chapter Five: Case Studies of Four Emerging Teachers ................................................ 167
Introduction ............................................................................................................. 167
Case Study Number One: The Reluctant Traveler .................................................. 169
Conclusion .............................................................................................................. 185
Case Study Number Two: The Spirited Traveler .................................................... 186
Conclusion .............................................................................................................. 199
Case Study Number Three: The Weary Traveler .................................................... 199
Conclusion .............................................................................................................. 214
Case Study Number Four: The Gifted Traveler ...................................................... 214
Chapter Six: Discussion .................................................................................................. 232
Introduction ............................................................................................................. 232
The Impact of Context ............................................................................................ 234
Teacher as Collaborator .......................................................................................... 243
Teacher as Curriculum Planner ............................................................................... 252
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