With its strong theoretical research foundation, this text emphasizes the vital role of families and communities in young children's education--and the partnerships that early childhood educators must forge and foster to assure that children receive the highest quality care and education possible.  The first section provides an understanding of families and contemporary issues that they face, covering such areas as family diversity, developmental issues, family strengths and functions, parenting and family stressors.  The second section emphasizes skills and dispositions that teachers must develop in relation to building partnerships.  Current research and best practices are incorporated throughout, including new information on inclusive environments, community schools, the importance of home language to families, children's learning at home, and other topics.  Theory into Practice Suggestions (TIPS) and case studies provide practical insight that will help as you build your own partnerships in your community.  The fifth edition is in press and will be published in late 2012 or early 2013.

The Process of Parenting is a comprehensive introduction to parenting that describes the many ways parents and caregivers can translate their love and concern for children into effective parenting behavior. With a strong emphasis on the developmental process and on the changing nature of parent-children relationships over time, the book presents a wide range of theories and research with a focus on real-life applications. Because parents and children are distinct individuals, a problem-solving approach is emphasized that can help parents arrive at solutions that fit them, their children, and their life circumstances. Two basic tasks of parenting are emphasized as ultimate ends: creating close emotional relationships with children and supporting the development of children's full potential.

In this ninth edition of Adolescence, Laurence Steinberg continues to utilize an effective combination of a friendly writing style, thorough research, and a contextual approach that emphasizes adolescence in contemporary society. The text's careful organization ensures maximum teaching flexibility that allows the chapters to work together to be covered in sequence or to stand alone. Ethnicity and minority issues are thoroughly discussed in a way that enables students to see how the adolescent experience is shaped by class and culture. The strong pedagogical framework helps students organize and integrate material. Thoroughly updated to reflect current findings in the field of adolescent development, Adolescence is based on solid research and theory, yet it has a distinctively "real world" feel that emphasizes the reality of being an adolescent in today's society.