Early Childhood Foundations Handbook cover
CE Press  /  Early Childhood

Early Childhood Foundations Handbook

A developmentally grounded, practical guide for anyone supporting children from birth through age eight, in classrooms, homes, and early learning programs.

Full Color Digital Access
Instant download · Any device · Keep forever
$27.97
Spiral Bound Printed Copy
Free shipping · USPS Media Mail 2-8 days · Professionally printed
$47.97
Most Popular
Bundle: Print + Digital
Printed copy with free shipping plus full digital access included
$59.97
Your role
Early Childhood Educator
Family or Caregiver
Childcare Provider
College Student or Practitioner
Helps us share relevant resources. Won't affect your purchase.
Secure checkout · Pay over time with ShopPay available
Preview inside pages
Birth to 8the years that shape everything. This handbook gives every adult in a young child's life the knowledge and language to support that development with confidence.
The problem

Early childhood professionals and families are expected to understand complex developmental concepts: milestones, behavior patterns, trauma, early intervention signals. Traditional textbooks are too clinical. Online searches are inconsistent and overwhelming. Most adults supporting young children are working without a shared, practical framework.

The solution

The Early Childhood Foundations Handbook translates developmental research into everyday language. Each chapter gives families and early learning professionals the clarity, examples, and practical strategies they need to understand how young children grow and how to respond with intention, confidence, and care.

What's inside
8 chapters across 4 sections. Birth through age eight.
Organized around the developmental domains that matter most in early childhood settings.
Section I: Foundations of Early Childhood Development
01
Understanding Early Childhood Development
Core frameworks for how children grow, learn, and develop
02
Developmental Milestones from Birth to Age Eight
Age-based expectations across cognitive, motor, language, and social domains
Section II: Development, Learning, and Behavior
03
How Development Shapes Learning and Behavior
The connection between development, classroom behavior, and learning readiness
04
Understanding and Guiding Behavior in Early Childhood
Practical, relationship-based approaches to behavior support
Section III: Instruction, Play, and Inclusive Learning
05
The Impact of Trauma on Early Childhood
How trauma affects development and how adults can respond effectively
06
Supporting All Learners: Inclusion, Early Identification and Collaborative Practices
Recognizing diverse needs early and building inclusive learning environments
Section IV: Supporting All Learners and Navigating Systems
07
Partnering for Success: Advocacy, Communication, and Collaboration in Education
How families, educators, and communities work together effectively
08
Sustaining the Vision: Lifelong Commitment to Early Childhood Education and Advocacy
Building a career and practice rooted in equity, care, and continued growth
Who it's for
For everyone in a young child's life.
Early Childhood Educators
A developmentally grounded reference for planning, observation, and responding to the full range of learners in your early childhood setting.
Families of Young Children
Understand what your child's development looks like at each stage and how to support their growth at home with clarity and confidence.
Childcare Providers
Translate developmental concepts into everyday practice. Build nurturing, responsive environments for children from birth through early primary grades.
College Students and Practitioners
A practical, field-ready foundation for careers supporting children and families, written in accessible language, not textbook jargon.
Inside the handbook
See it before you buy
Click any page to view full size.
What readers are saying
Building our verified review collection.

The Early Childhood Foundations Handbook is a new release and we are actively collecting verified reviews. If you have read the handbook, share your experience at support@collabedpress.com. Our 30-day full refund guarantee means you can read it and decide for yourself. Zero risk.

About the authors
Written by practitioners with decades of real-world experience.
Jeanine Leech
M.A., M.S.  /  Special Education and Educational Leadership
Jeanine Leech
Former Director of Special Education  /  Educational Advocate  /  Author

Jeanine Leech brings 25+ years of experience as a special education leader and practitioner across California public schools. She wrote this handbook to give families and early learning professionals the clear, research-grounded guidance she wished had existed for the educators and families she has worked alongside for decades.

Jennifer Kinkle
M.A.  /  Human Development and Early Childhood Education
Jennifer Kinkle
Former Director of Early Childhood Education, Huntington Beach City School District  /  Faculty, Fullerton College

Jennifer Kinkle has worked with children and families for over 30 years, from early childhood educator to program director. She previously oversaw early learning programs for children ages 0-5 and currently teaches Child Development and Educational Studies at Fullerton College, Irvine Valley College, and Brandman University. She holds an M.A. in Human Development from Pacific Oaks College.

CE Press
Give every child the adults they deserve.
Digital download · Works on any device · Instant access after purchase
Get the Handbook

Ordering for a program, center, or college course? Contact us about bulk pricing and PO orders →