This commentary on the special section, "Implementation research in early childhood education," discusses 10 major conclusions drawn from implementation research and 7 additional issues needing clarification. Some major conclusions are that: (1) the level of implementation achieved can have a strong influence on program outcomes, (2)…

Recent studies do not find consistent relationships between teacher degree, major, and certification, and PK outcomes (Early, D. M., Bryant, D. M., Pianta, R. C., Clifford, R. M., Burchinal, M. R., Ritchie, S., et al. (2006). Are teachers' education, major, and credentials related to classroom quality and children's academic gains in…

This paper offers reflections on future directions for early mathematics and science education. We argue that researchers and practitioners should examine carefully not only the possibility of unexpected competence in young children, but also its complexity and the limits on it; investigate the socio-emotional context of learning and teaching;…

Identifies underlying paradoxical bases for expansion and replication of early childhood care and education (ECCE) programs. Presents history of ECCE in the United States. Proposes typology of expansion and replication processes, and considers paradoxes associated with replication process. Offers recommendations for funders, policymakers, and…

Asserts that Harper and McCluskey's study addresses a "second generation" research question concerning differential effects of interventions/settings on children with different characteristics; provides information about needed supports in inclusive settings for children with either severe motor impairments or severely limited language skills.…

Discusses findings that child care quality can be measured effectively and efficiently through telephone interview. Notes that interview items were more highly correlated to the materials composite than to the interaction composite of the Environment Ratings Scales. Describes situations where on-site observation is necessary. Suggests that one…

Comments on Early and Winton's research on the characteristics of early childhood teacher preparation programs at 2- and 4-year institutions, noting that these programs need to expand the racial diversity of faculty, define issues in the needs of practitioners and the early childhood field when designing course content, and provide adequate…

Discusses how one Early Head Start program has benefited from collaborating with researchers. Notes that the program has clarified its theory of change, reflected on effective strategies, and trained staff on practices during home visits. Asserts that by using information about the quality of home visits, the program now provides better services…

Aserts that it is unclear how the Ages and Stages Questionnaires: Social-Emotional ratings link to other critical child and family risk factors. Identifies questions regarding how well individual dimensions of social behavior are measured and concerns about the partial overlap between competent and problem behavior. Expresses concerns about the…

Asserts that having parents participate in first-level screenings of their young children is an ideal way to strengthen the parent-program/school relationship. Notes concerns with identifying which parents can accurately rate their child's social-emotional behavior. Maintains that having good tools to use as a follow-up to screening is as…

Draws on data from three Head Start programs to examine how "culture" influences program improvement. Shows how culture takes shape through dynamic interactions in particular contexts, constituting identities, structuring social relationships, and privileging particular forms of knowledge. Highlights the importance of illuminating forces that…

Argues that shortcomings in program implementation and evaluation contributed to failure to demonstrate effectiveness of the Comprehensive Child Development Program (CCDP). Articulates lessons from the CCDP, including addressing roles of demonstration projects and their evaluations, problems in evaluation early in program implementation, the…

Responds to Gilliam et al.'s critique of evaluation of the Comprehensive Child Development Program (CCDP). Restates the policy implications of the study and comments on the design of the intervention and the evaluation. Concludes with remarks on how evaluation and research should be used to help low-income families. (Author/KB)

Refutes Gilliam et al.'s critique regarding the Comprehensive Child Development Program (CCDP) evaluation, including issues related to randomization, dropout rates, timing of evaluation, and services for control families. Discusses the broader issues regarding the appropriate interpretation of results of large-scale randomized trials of complex…

Examines after-school programs, focusing on those serving low-income children. Provides a brief history and current profile of this field of services, discusses major tensions in and challenges facing the field, and offers recommendations. Advocates keeping expectations of after-school programs for low-income children commensurate with both their…