I’m passionate about childhood development, and I’m always reading books on the topic. I like to learn about new ideas, advice, and tips about early childhood education and child care. Then apply what I have learned to my life as a mom and as a early childhood professional.
How about you? Are you a mom, a child care provider or a teacher that wants to learn more about childhood development?
If so, you’re in the right place!
To get you started on the right foot. I created the following list of my most recommended books in early childhood education, discipline, child care, children learning activities, etc.
These books will give you general knowledge about childhood development, baby care, discipline, early learning activities, business management skills and more.
(These are in no particular order.)
Books on Child Discipline
Positive Discipline
Positive Discipline by Jane Nelsen is one of the best parenting books I have ever bought.
I had heard about this book when I was researching the Montessori Method , and it seemed to me that it was a book many Montessori teachers recommended, so I bought it.
I use this book as a guide when disciplining my children, and I learned a lot of helpful strategies that I could successfully do as a childcare provider.
I recommend buying this book or checking it out from your local library.
Siblings Without Rivalry
I purchased the book Siblings Without Rivalry after the birth of my third daughter.
Because as a parent, I want the relationship between my kids to be good throughout their childhood and into adulthood. I want them to be allies!
So I looked for books that I could read on the subject and I came across this book.
And let me tell you, after reading this book, I have applied many of their suggestions for diffusing conflicts between my kids. And wow, the techniques have worked out for us!
So if you’re a parent, I highly recommend this book.
Also, if you’re a child care provider, I want to encourage you to check out this book too. Because the children’s relationship in your care is comparable to that of siblings. You will deal with issues similar to things siblings encounter, and the solutions provided by the author can help.
How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk
This is another must have book you need to get and read especially for those of you caring for older children. I have also used many of the suggestions from this book and oh my gosh, they work!
Highly recommend for all teachers, child care givers and parents!
Books on Early Childhood Education
Bright From The Start
Not only is this book by Jill Stamm an easy read, it gives you a solid early childhood overview.
The advice given is based on evidence from research done at top American Universities. It comes with practical ideas to help you nurture a child’s developing mind. All without needing specialized, and expensive toys.
Also, none of the learning activities suggested in the book will require you to do anything that is too time-consuming or complicated. As busy caregivers, simple and effective ideas are always best! If you can get your hands on this book, get it and read it.
I enjoyed reading it, and I think you will too.
Your Self-Confident Baby
This is one of those books that helped me relax and believe in myself as a parent and a child caregiver.
I learned so much from it. It helped me end some of the conflicting parenting stuff I was reading.
For instance, I accepted the fact that children cry and it doesn’t mean I am doing something wrong. That it’s their way of communicating with others when they still don’t have the words to tell you what is wrong. Or that it’s okay to have a safe space for them to explore without having to be constantly hovering over them.
I enjoyed Magda Gerber’s approach to child care. I might not have agreed with everything she said. I mean that’s usually true of any book I read, but her overall message has impacted my life.
And I think you will enjoy her book too. I highly recommend it!
The Read-Aloud Handbook
Besides promoting play in the early childhood classroom (and at home), reading books to children is one of the best tools we have available as educators. And this book will give you inspiring facts and examples about the importance of reading to children from a young age.
Oh yeah! It also includes a list of read-aloud books you can use in your classroom!
Money Management:
The Total Money Makeover
As a business owner, you should always keep your finance and business finances separately.
And if you need help getting your finances together, I recommend you look into Dave Ramsey’s book The Total Money Makeover. The baby steps described in this book are simple and can turn your finances around.
Also, you can use the same steps you learn in this book to manage your business finances.
Bookkeeping:
Record-Keeping Guide
For my first year in daycare, I used this Record Keeping Guide all the time. It was literally glued to me during tax time and even now, I still go back to it all the time.
Also, I recommend you visit the author’s website (TomCopelandBlog.com) to stay up to date and learn more about taxes, record keeping, child care laws, etc.
Personal Development Books
Be Nice (Or Else)
The book “Be Nice (Or Else) by Winn Claybaugh” is a fast and easy read. It was recommended to me by someone that works in the fitness industry.
And it’s a helpful and inspiring book regardless of what industry you work in.
With this book you will learn how to defuse and handle mean and toxic people.
You can take pieces of what you read and apply it at home, at work or even with total strangers.
How to Win Friends & Influence People
How to Win Friends & Influence People is a classic and a must read! You will find this book on the top lists of books to read in your lifetime. It’s just that good.
There’s lots of good reasons why you will want to get this book. In general, its purpose is to help you develop leadership and communication skills with family, friends, clients, etc.
Phew!
Oh my! There is a lot of awesome books out there for you to grab and start learning from. I suggest you pick up a few that will help you grow your daycare into a quality program and profitable business.
I shared with you some of my favorites. Now it’s you turn- do you have any books that can help other child care providers? Post the titles in your comment!
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Jamela says
Your compilation of ‘Best Development Books for Professional Child Care Providers’ is a well-curated and valuable resource for those dedicated to the growth and well-being of children. Your thoughtful selection showcases a commitment to supporting childcare professionals in their ongoing learning and development. Well done on providing a comprehensive guide that elevates the standards of childcare practice!