This concise and accessible resource provides an overview of the fundamentals of teaching in early childhood settings (pre-K-2), with a focus on what high-quality practices look like. It details the features of developmentally appropriate, linguistically responsive, culturally relevant/sustaining teaching and how this approach can prepare our youngest citizens for the challenges of our 21st century world. Beginning with what the research tells us about how young children develop and learn, Falk shows how to create learning environments, plan, teach, and assess in ways that support children's optimal development. Specific strategies are described and explained, such as setting up the classroom environment and schedule, making smooth transitions, using effective communication strategies, and creating home--school partnerships. The book features: (1) combined understandings from multiple disciplines: child development, neuroscience and biological sciences, culturally responsive teaching, and language diversity practices; (2) an examination of hos high quality practices can be attained for all children and families, paying particular attention to traditionally underserved communities; and (3) concrete examples of what developmentally appropriate curriculum, instruction, and assessment look like in diverse communities, including photos and links to online videos.