The first edition of the Resource Guide identified and described teaching, training, and staff development materials that met three basic criteria: they were good, they were readily available, and they were inexpensive. Eleven editions later, those criteria still guide the selection of resources for this book. Prices have crept up during the intervening years, and as a result, a few outstanding products could not be considered "cheap treats."

This 12th edition includes books, videotapes, CD-ROMs, curricula, and online materials on key topics related to work with young children and their families. These resources may assist colleagues with responsibility for the preservice education, inservice training, and professional development of personnel who work with young children (0-8) and their families. Resource Guide materials also may support administrators and policymakers in conceptualizing, implementing, and evaluating quality preservice and inservice experiences.