“Highly recommended.”
—Choice

“Two early childhood experts team up to present their vision of what goes into making a successful program for children birth to age 5. Their approach focuses on knowing children and the context in which they live and translating that knowledge into practice.”
—Young Children

This book is about creating an environment, experiences, interactions, and relationships that allow children (birth to age 5) in center-based and family child care programs to have authentic experiences that will promote their development and learning. To address planning and practice the authors zero in on knowing and respecting the individual child, the group, and working in partnership with families. Rather than focusing on educational activities per se, the emphasis is on paying attention to the child’s whole experience in the program. The authors examine what you need to know about children and their families, how to translate that information into plans and experiences, and how to include parents in the process. The authors wrote this book to be a “collaborative encounter with readers.”

Book Features:

• Ways to learn about each child in the context of the family’s culture, goals, priorities, and dreams for their child.
• Attention to diversity, inclusion, and antibias throughout the text.
• Many questions and suggestions to encourage debate and dialogue.

This is a practical resource that can be used by early care and education professionals, paraprofessionals, and family child care providers.

“These creative authors skillfully use the alphabet—that almost magical system for unlocking written language—to help teachers learn the ABCs of getting to know individual children. Teachers will gain essential knowledge for effective collaboration in early childhood settings.”
—Sue Bredekamp, Director of Research, Council for Professional Recognition

“This lovely book gently raises our appreciation for the unique qualities of each child and how much teachers have to gain by developing a true partnership with families. Janet and Anne give us an inspiring vision of responsive curriculum and practical strategies for achieving that vision.”
—Diane Trister Dodge, Founder and President, Teaching Strategies, Inc.

“A great resource for all early care and education practitioners. Making Links offers clear insight and practical wisdom to create the kinds of collaborative relationships necessary for children, families, and professionals to thrive.”
—Jim Greenman, Senior Vice President, Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Minneapolis, MN

Janet Gonzalez-Mena is an early childhood consultant and writer, and professor emerita at the Napa Valley College. Anne Stonehouse is also an early childhood consultant and writer, and was associate professor of early childhood and director of the Centre for Early Childhood Research and Development at Monash University, Australia.