New federal legislation requires states to develop policies to refer children younger than age 3 with substantiated cases of abuse or neglect to state Early Intervention (EI) systems. This article presents state-by-state estimates of potential referral and enrollment increases for EI. Many states could experience a significant increase in…

The purpose of this study was to analyze literature regarding interventions for promoting pretend play in children with disabilities. Sixteen studies were found using experimental designs to evaluate pretend play interventions with children with disabilities. The results were analyzed across the targeted pretense behaviors, participants,…

This article describes how Metacognitive Journals were used to teach prospective early childhood educators about constructivism. We emphasize the importance of modeling constructivist pedagogy and cultivating students' metacognitive potential. We share the effects on our students' learning and on our teaching. We also offer recommendations for…

While it is clear that reading is critical to children's success throughout schooling and reading instruction research has dramatically increased over the past 2 decades, few early childhood providers have the necessary knowledge, skills and/or confidence to effectively implement evidence-based, emergent literacy strategies in their settings. This…

In this study, the staff development opportunities among early childhood educators in community-based, nonprofit child care centers were investigated. The trends for professional development and implications for future staff development were determined from data gathered from surveys completed by 12 lead teachers, 5 paraprofessionals, and 5…

Novice professionals entering the fields of early childhood education and early childhood special education face many challenges and often feel disconnected from the support system that nurtured them during their teacher education programs (Brindle, Fleege, & Graves, 2000). The Early Childhood Professional Mentoring Group (ECPMG) was established…

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a short intervention program designed to enhance the educators' ability to identify children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). Twenty early childhood and 20 physical education teachers (n = 40) participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned into an…

While early childhood education programs seek to provide the tools to work with children and explore content, many fail to address the social and emotional contexts in which early childhood education occurs. This is evident in the seldom addressed topic of collaboration between lead teachers and assistant teachers in the early childhood classroom.…

Discusses the importance of enthusiastic, knowledgeable teachers in teaching science to middle school students. Maintains that when teachers create environments that foster curiosity, encourage risk-taking, and involve students as co-learners, the textbook is included as a guide and resource with several other materials. Questions the notion that…

Discusses the parental challenge of helping children say good-bye to a terminally ill loved one. Describes children's understanding of death and the grieving process. Provides suggestions for helping children, including letting children decide about visits to the hospital, expressing one's own feelings, encouraging questions, and returning to…

Summarizes documents and journal articles from the ERIC database discussing topics related to parent-teacher conferences at the elementary and middle levels, including alternative activities such as student-led conferences. (Author)

Explores the experiences of one preschool teacher as she introduced story writing activities into her classroom, including changes in teacher expectations. Describes children's story writing, which used pictures and letter-like forms, and notes the relationship between child temperament and eagerness to share stories with other children. Describes…

Advocates providing opportunities for child-initiated literacy experiences within a free play setting in early childhood education programs. Presents a rationale for meaningful academic content in preschools, including the need for early adult models and advantages of free-play over structured settings. Details methods of promoting literacy in…

Examines the link between movement experiences--and their consequences during infancy--and cognitive development. Explains how movement stimulates cognitive development, the role of aerobic activity, and the importance of skill development. Offers suggestions for enhancing preschool motor learning experiences, practicing movement fundamentals,…

Discusses how music enhances learning by facilitating brain growth and integration, evoking emotions, and addressing learners' needs. Suggests ways to use music to create a positive learning environment by reducing stress, increasing productivity, and regulating energy. Presents suggestions for incorporating music at elementary/secondary levels,…