The primary purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which preservice teachers participating in a 16-week course in family and community relations would evidence a change in perception of the importance, feasibility, and level of preparation regarding family involvement strategies. A sample of 132 undergraduate preservice teachers was…

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the impact upon a group of ten early childhood inservice educators of a collaborative professional development course in early literacy development presented using the tools of narrative and reflection. The study considered impact in terms of teachers' beliefs, values, practice, and sense of…

Learning to read becomes a difficult task for many children, particularly if they have not been reared in early childhood settings where literacy-based activities, interactions, or materials are prevalent. This study examined the impact that providing a college-level course in research-based instructional strategies for literacy development to…

The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) program review process increasingly emphasizes the importance of performance-based assessment of early childhood teacher preparation programs. As part of the effort to address performance-based assessment requirements, the teacher educator program described in this study examined…

As experts on the nature and needs of young children, early childhood educators are in prime positions to advocate for the health and well-being of young children. Advocacy can take the form of personal, public, or private-sector endeavors. Personal advocacy is usually informal and involves educating others on an issue about early childhood…

The Early Childhood Technology Integrated Instructional System (EC-TIIS), a Steppingstones of Technology Innovation Phase 1--Development project, was developed by the Center for Best Practices in Early Childhood (the Center) at Western Illinois University as an online instructional system. EC-TIIS' ultimate goal was to improve technology services…

This curriculum, designed for young children ages 3-6, focuses on math, science, and social studies and includes integrated activities to use with over 30 software titles. Young Children as Explorers: Interactive Learning Experiences addresses learning standards established by the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics, National Research…

Examines the emotional development of preschoolers, including the issues of emotional expression, emotional understanding, regulation of emotions, developmental significance, and the role of the caregiver-child relationship. Finds that caregivers influence the emotional development of children as they model, coach, and respond to children.…

Examines three prevalent parental recommendations for reducing children's exposure to violence, noting that if delivered in an authoritarian manner, anticipated outcomes may not occur. Argues that child involvement in setting up family rules encourages self-awareness for children to monitor their own behaviors. Includes five examples of suggested…

Examines the conflict between two diametrically opposed child advocacy groups as a result of a legislative initiative in North Carolina known as Smart Start. At issue was funding of model day care centers, reduction of staff-to-child ratios in day care centers, and child immunizations. Chronicles the conflict and highlights group tactics. (SD)

Advocates storytelling as a powerful resource to promote an understanding of racial and ethnic diversity. Addresses issues of selection criteria including elements of character development, prejudice reduction, authority and authorship, and language. Includes an annotated bibliography of stories for preschool and primary-age students and reference…

Asserts that social relationships may be enhanced through a youngster's efforts and those of caring adults, especially teachers, parents, and other caregivers. Presents two checklists, one to assist when observing and recording children's behaviors and another to aid adults with the self-assessments of their child guidance techniques. (Author/SD)

Asserts that as the number of young children using assistive technology increases, four areas emerge as particularly important: (1) accessing assistive technology; (2) matching needs of children to technology; (3) funding assistive devices and services; and (4) training early childhood education professionals and family members. Addresses…

Investigated the reliability and item appropriateness, as discerned by adults affiliated with an infant center, of the Caregiver-Environment Scale (CES). Found the CES to be an easy to use, reliable instrument for evaluation. (Author/SD)

Studied perceived education interests, experiences, and learning preferences of parents of young children, usefulness of group characteristics in planning parent education as evidenced by a needs assessment process, and the importance of such a process. Found (1) parental interest in parenting help; (2) parental education level effects on learning…