Presents a comprehensive picture of early childhood learning. This book discusses: evidence for competing theories, models, and approaches in the field and looks at some day-to-day practices and activities used in preschool; the role of the teacher, the importance of peer interactions, and other relationships in the child's life; and more.

"Eager to Learn" presents a comprehensive, coherent picture of early childhood learning, along with a clear path toward improving this important stage in children's lives. New findings about the interplay of biology and environment, socioeconomic variations in learning, and the importance of health and nutrition are revealed.