"Early childhood educators know all about how the brain develops and how children learn, yet there is a vast disconnect between what we have learned from research and what we actually do in the classroom. With today's system of standardized tests and academic learning by rote, young children are losing valuable opportunities to learn through play and discovery. So how did we get to this place? How do we connect what we know with what we do? [This book] provides a historical overview of how educational policies came into effect and how they are not living up to their well-intended purposes. Using real-life examples, this book explores what is possible if we stop worrying about academic performance objectives and start simply communicating with children. Michael Gramling challenges educators to envision preschools that work for all children and to start making the changes that will move us in a new direction." -- P. [4] Cover.