Ten emerging issues in early childhood education (ECE) are explored. The first issue has to do with the societal purpose for early childhood education, the second with the problem of whether ECE personnel are professionals. The third issue concerns the conceptual world view that helps educators see what child development is all about. The fourth issue deals with the problem of apportioning professional education with respect to theory learning, research knowledge, and practical application. Issue five revolves around delivery of programs in classrooms and classroom treatment of children. Issue six concerns how children learn. Issues seven, eight, and nine have to do with the interface between ECE settings and public school settings, social skills building in early education, and parent/teacher cooperation, respectively. The final issue concerns the need for ECE personnel to be politically active in support of the profession. Numerous suggestions for educational practice are offered throughout the discussion. (RH)