This accessible and enaging work introduces current and future teachers, child care providers, and others interested in early childhood education to the importance for the early years in children's well-being and success. It summarizes their research on the value of high-quality services for young children, families, and society, showing why early education matters both today and into the future. Emphasizing the need to understand and respect young children's strengths and unique characteristics, the authors offer inspiration for working in the field, as well as addressing the realistic challenges of implementing developmentally appropriate care and education.

Introduction: Opening doors to learning for young children and their families -- The early years matter for babies and toddlers -- The early years matter for preschoolers -- The early years matter for children in kindergarten through 3rd grade -- The early years matter for children in low-income families -- The early years matter for children who experience violence and stress -- The early years matter for children with disabilities -- The early years matter for children with challenging behavior -- The early years matter for children in immigrant families -- The early years matter for children in developing countries -- The early years matter for our future.