Book excerpt: This guide to the Early Childhood Graduate Competencies, developed by the Early Childhood Studies Degrees Network to strengthen students′ knowledge and skills for practice, in addition to boosting employability. Embedded into Early Childhood Studies and Early Years degrees, the nine competencies ensure that students are both academically and practically ready to work with young children and take the lead in any early childhood setting. With a focus on essential topics such as advocating for children’s rights, inclusion, safeguarding, observation this book will help students to build a solid foundation on which to build their practice. Written in collaboration with students, this text offers a range of case studies and examples, activities, further readings and more to support students on their learning journey.