Books & Publications

Respecting Babies: A Guide to Educaring for Parents and Professionals

Respecting Babies: A Guide to Educaring for Parents and Professionals (2019) is a unique guidebook, designed to provide theoretical and practical perspective for those who care for infants and toddlers, whether parent, medical professional, educator, or early interventionist. Easy-to-read and engaging, this summary of the Educaring® Approach introduced by Magda Gerber, founder of Resources for Infant Educarers (RIE), highlights the evolution and key elements of this integrated, multilayered approach and describes how to support babies and toddlers in becoming confident, joyful explorers and caring, connected people. The second edition is updated to reflect the latest science and impacts of the digital age and is richly illustrated with stories and examples from the author’s vast experience.

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“Steeped in a rich tradition of early childhood education and recent advances in developmental neuroscience Ruth Anne Hammond offers an elegant, practical, and compelling portrait of specifically how parental respect and love in the earliest stages of life shapes an indelible and enduring imprint on the core of the human personality.”

“Everyone who will ever encounter a young child should read this book! With verve and compassion and finely drawn examples, Ruth Anne Hammond reveals the wisdom of Magda Gerber’s RIE Approach. These insights encourage us to honor children’s dignity and spirit with caring and support. Respecting children means staying out of the way as they find unique pathways toward self-fulfillment. Readers will thank Gerber and Hammond for their guidance in how to create a happier and more flourishing society, one baby at a time!”

“What an idea—practicing courtesy with babies! ‘Professional baby watcher’ Ruth Anne Hammond explains how and why, in this clear, warm, and knowledgeable how-to guide for parents and educarers of very young children. It’s partner-dancing, Hammond explains, as baby and grown-up learn to follow each other’s cues and find joy in their relationship. And it provides a strong base for developing the trust and curiosity, language and literacy, and social–emotional skills that children will need all their lives.”

“Ruth Anne Hammond has captured Magda Gerber’s unique voice…. Respectfulness as a central perspective through which to view these caring relationships is richly and lovingly illustrated. Her book is a delight, and there is much to be learned and enjoyed by anyone who cares for and about young children from her thoughtful and inspiring work.”

Theories of Early Childhood Education

Theories of Early Childhood Education provides a comprehensive introduction to the various theoretical perspectives influential in early childhood education, from developmental psychology to critical studies, Piaget to Freire. Expert chapter authors examine assumptions underpinning the use of theory in the early years and concisely explore the implications of these questions for policy and practice. Every chapter includes applications to practice that will assist students and professionals in seeing the relevance of the theoretical perspective for their teaching.

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"This book should be the go-to reference for understanding critical theories of early childhood. Chapters are beautifully written, jargon-free, and wonderfully accessible to both undergraduate and graduate students...and plan to use it in all my classes."

Part II Chapter 6 "The Educaring Approach of Magda Gerber"