DOUBLE TAP TO ZOOM WITH PHONE OR TABLET xii     prefac e Because the field of early child care is constantly changing based on an increased understanding of how children grow and develop, and because programs continu- ally change as providers gain more experience and knowledge, your resources need to change as well. To support these changes, we have added additional and relevant information to both the curriculum and the assessment booklet. You will find a new unit that focuses on approaches to learning along with a new corresponding section in the developmental assessment booklet. We have included additional information for creating an inclusive environment, and we have provided some suggestions on ways in which you can adapt activities to include all the children in your program. You will also find additional activities that focus on science, math, and preliteracy. We have organized this book to allow you to identify specific activities to facilitate the specific developmental outcomes of the children in your care. The new information better aligns with expanded state requirements while main- taining the ease of use and good fit that are so important. Now it’s up to you to use this curriculum to facilitate learning for the children in your care. After all, any curricu- lum is only as good as your ability to implement it. The new activities remain “home friendly” and reflect the reality of working with mixed-age groups. You do amazing work. Family child care providers offer an incredibly valuable service to parents and children. Your curriculum should not only work well in meet- ing the needs of children, but it must meet your needs as well. A curriculum that fits should be flexible enough that you can easily adapt it to your environment and your changing enrollment. I hope you find the new information in this revised edition helpful, and I hope it provides support in your very important work. COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL