Book excerpt: Written for early childhood student teaching, practicum, capstone courses, and wherever a field experience is involved. This reality-based textbook provides insights and useful guidelines for success in any early childhood education student teaching, practicum, or field experience course. Designed for students who are assuming the responsibilities of teaching young children while receiving guidance and supervision, this thoroughly revised manual offers both theory and practical application to guide each student to a successful conclusion of the practicum or student teaching experience. Featuring the most up-to-date applications of theory and current research, special care has been taken to synthesize information and present guidelines for professional behavior, lesson planning, portfolio development, diverse family structures, cultural diversity, inclusion, and working with children who have special needs. Additionally, current information on national and state standards, the reauthorization of NCLB, and assessment is included. With a realness factor, authentic features, and a compelling writing style, this must-have textbook guides students from the early days of preparing to begin the field experience, through the final days of leaving, as well as everything in between.