Mandates to implement practices that are antithetical to what we embrace assupportive of young children's literacy learning are pervasive. Teachers ofyoung children are asked to teach-to-the test in ways that take awayopportunities for holistic, thoughtful, play-oriented practices that allow childrento construct knowledge through contextualized and purposeful experiences. In2009 the Early Childhood Assembly was formed by a group of early childhoodeducators to provide a home at the National Council for Teacher of English for all who work with youngchildren. Perspectives and Provocations in Early Childhood Education is a publication of the ECEA. Thepublication is intended to support teachers of young children and those interested in studying about early literacyby putting on offer texts with a strong emphasis on promoting thoughtful practices that enhance the teaching andlearning of young children within and across diverse communities. All royalties from the book go to the ECEA tohelp the organization advance its goals of providing scholarships for early childhood teachers to participate inconferences and professional development events.