The approach to caregiving that underlies the text is based on Magda Gerber’s philosophy combined with a bold new approach to the extensive 62 years of research done by her late colleague, Emmi Pikler. Focusing on the concept of respect in child care, both pioneers based their curriculum around responding to each individual child's needs in a warm and sensitive manner. Stressing the need for physical and social growth through planned and unplanned learning exercises, Gerber and Pikler's approach to childcare aims to develop the mental, physical, and emotional progress of each child. In addition to the new approach to Pikler's research, the new edition features expanded discussions on race, natural environments and exercise for children.