For over 25 years, the Step by Step Program, flagship initiative for Early Childhood Education reform of the Open Society Foundations, has implemented a democratic child-centered classroom approach where families and children are placed at the heart of the pedagogical practice. For everyone to take advantage of the multiple benefits such a program delivers, ISSA is offering the comprehensive guide Child-centered Democratic, Pre-school classrooms: The Step by Step Approach specially addressed to early childhood educators and pre-school staff who work with children aged from 3 to 6 years.

Throughout its six chapters, the book provides both the theoretical background and the practical tools to implement evidence-based, high-quality practices that facilitate young children’s development and learning regardless of the national context. The book dives into everything from how to build strong partnerships with families and communities, strengthening their role as educators, to how to set the stage for active learning. A thorough explanation of the Step by Step approach is provided, detailing the promotion of a democratic, inclusive and respectful culture in the classroom- and outdoors- in which each child’s identity is reinforced. In addition to this, the reader is provided with a detailed methodology on the implementation and development of Step by Step competences in all areas of knowledge: Mathematics, Language and Literature; Civic and Culture; Science; Creative Arts; Technology and interactive media competences; Physical competences as well as tips on specific practices.

“The book has been updated with new knowledge from neuroscience and attachment theory” outlines Liana Ghent, ISSA’s Executive Director, “sharing the expanded knowledge of Step by Step, a network with over 25 years of experience developing quality child-centered classrooms. This enhanced version of the book places a greater emphasis on the quality of interactions in the classroom and their importance in the process of each child reaching his or her full potential.”  

This extended version of the 1994 edition can be purchased by clicking here. More information on each chapter’s content and an excerpt are available here.