This sourcebook for kindergarten and grades one and two presents a balance between the theory and practice of education in the early years. The sourcebook supplements Manitoba Education curriculum guides. Emphasis is given to models of organization and methods of teaching that guide teachers in their efforts to help children develop happily at their own rates. The sourcebook provides information about characteristics and needs of children throughout their early years and makes suggestions for programs and materials that meet the needs of young children at various stages of development. Chapters are titled: (1) Contemporary Early Years Education; (2) The Nature of the Learning Process in Early Childhood; (3) The Nature of the Child; (4) Curriculum and Integration; (5) Organization of the Learning Environment; (6) Early Identification Through Classroom Observation; (7) Helping Teachers Integrate Children with Special Needs; and (8) The Parent Connection. A supplementary chapter discusses modification of the curriculum for special circumstances. Over 180 references are cited. A companion handbook for parents provides information on children's development, the child's day at school, home activities that help children learn, parent and school cooperation, and such resources as an activities calendar, books, records, and places to visit. (RH)