1. Introduction: Starting the journey
2. Understanding and using theory in educational settings
3. Observing children and using theory to analyse learning and development
4. Using constructivist theory to analyse learning and development
5. Using a bioecological model to analyse learning and development
6. Using cultural-historical theory to analyse learning and development
7. Children and families in Australia as agents of their own development
8. Ways of knowing, ways of being and ways of doing
9. How do theories position children, families and communities?
10. Future directions: How theories support ongoing change.