Discusses the widespread problem of low level lead toxicity and how it affects young children's behavior and learning ability. Discusses what medical and environmental measures can be taken to remedy the problem. Briefly notes what role states have taken. Also suggests actions early childhood teachers can take to remedy the problem. (BB)

Discusses the inherent inequalities of the child-care and education system in the United States, in which the middle and upper classes have access to well-funded private and community institutions, while the lower class has to make do with substandard and compensatory programs, such as Head Start, which are often poorly funded. (MDM)

Discusses the need for family support programs especially designed for fathers, since most programs tend to focus on the mother's role as the primary caregiver and parent. Reviews the research on programs for fathers and introduces a model parent education and support program for fathers and their preschool-age children. (MDM)

Discusses the prevalence of pediatric Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) cases in the United States, the quality of life of children with AIDS, and concerns that parents and the community have about the disease. Suggests some responses for educational institutions and teachers to help confront AIDS and help children with the disease. (MDM)

Discusses specific strategies that teachers can use to help deal with dysfunctional behaviors manifested by abused children in the classroom, such as (1) behaving aggressively; (2) hurting others without seeming to care; (3) deliberately annoying others; (4) being hypervigilant; (5) dissociating themselves; and (6) fearing failure. Also examines…

Describes some of the ways children in a kindergarten, grade one, and grade two combination class learn math by choosing to do it in real, sensible, and interesting ways. This whole math approach has children develop their own problems to investigate specific topics that combine math, science, problem solving, and the language arts. (MDM)

The project approach involves an in-depth investigation of a particular topic that integrates language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, and the fine arts and extends over a period of several days or weeks. Discusses new ways to implement this approach in early childhood classrooms. (MDM)

Performance assessment could be the key to restructuring schools for higher standards and improved accountability, and at the very least should add an expanded dimension to educational assessment. Defines performance assessment, reviews some of the research on this topic, and addresses some of the issues regarding performance assessment of concern…

This statement by the Association for Childhood Education International outlines elementary teacher preparation requirements in six categories: general education; elementary education foundations; child development; the learning and teaching process; curriculum and methodology; and clinical and field experiences. (MDM)

Discusses the practice of retaining children in grade, and presents evidence against the procedure. Posits that failing children only increases the likelihood that they will perform poorly in school, develop poor self-concepts, and eventually drop out of school. Retention also disproportionately affects poor and minority children, males, and…

Parents can help children acquire ecological awareness through the use of varied inventories that focus on their family's ecological practices, and through the restructuring of such practices to promote conservation and recycling. Lists specific activities in which preschool and elementary school children can engage. (MDM)

Reviews five books for teachers: "Connecting the Curriculum through Interdisciplinary Instruction" (Lounsbury); "Caring for Our Children. National Health and Safety Performance Standards: Guidelines for Out-of-Home Child Care Programs"; "Families and Schools in a Pluralistic Society" (Chavkin); "Team Building through Physical Challenges" (Glover…

Summarizes five documents and seven articles in the ERIC database that examine cultural diversity and cultural awareness. Topics include cultural diversity in the classroom and curriculum, cultural sensitivity, multicultural awareness, and cultural pluralism. (MDM)

Three videos for adults chronicle the life works of Erik Erikson and Jean Piaget, two giants in the child development field, and three videos for children candidly and sensitively address common problems experienced by children, such as being afraid to read aloud in class, dealing with bullies, and protecting themselves from attack by strangers.…

Describes the illness and death of a young boy enrolled in an early childhood program. Discusses how maintaining open communication, sharing genuine reactions, talking with parents and a clinical psychologist, sharing carefully chosen books, and supporting the child and his family throughout the experience were helpful in coping with this event.…