Sharon Lynn Kagan, Kristie Kauerz, Kate Tarrant
Teachers College Press
179 pages. $31.95.
Who cares for and educates two thirds of American children from birth to age 5? Nearly 5 million people in the field of early care and education – a work force plagued by low entry criteria, limited growth opportunities, low compensation and high turnover, whose services are in high demand. Citing research that reveals strengths and weaknesses of both center-based and home-based programs from Head Start to family child care, the authors offer recommendations to improve a field in crisis. If political and public will would support the high-quality care that our youngest people deserve, these reasonable strategies for reform could make a difference. (800) 575-6566, www.teacherscollegepress.com.
