Taking a strong developmental focus, this book ensures that teachers understand the close relationship between observing, understanding what has been observed, and improving the educational curriculum and environment. This edition is the result of a continued commitment to produce a book on observation that unites solid methodological instruction with a broad understanding of children's development. Chapter 1 now covers information on professional development such as the reader's responsibilities and an introduction to professional organizations, developmentally appropriate practice, and ethical conduct in early childhood education. A new Chapter 2 details the practical issues of finding the time to observe, learning the basics of observation, and minimizing subjectivity. Highlights of development during preschool and primary grades serve as a common ground of information for both novice and knowledgeable readers to respond sensitively to children's individualities and cultures. Each chapter incorporates an ethic from the National Association for the Education of Young Children's (NAEYC) “Code of Ethical Conduct” —and presents a concrete application to connect daily work with professional values For early childhood educators.