Provides the information currently available on the types of programs offered for prekindergartners and the children served by or through local and state education agencies. Examines types of preschool services offered, families being served, and the implications for the field of early childhood. Expresses concern about settings of unknown…

Summarizes organizational progress over two years of author's presidency of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Notes major activities, including development of a new organizational structure and the selection of new leadership for the NAEYC Board. (KB)

Discusses potential problems with the current emphasis on various collaborative educational partnerships in early childhood education: (1) avoidance of more fundamental educational issues; (2) pretense that collaboration comes at no cost; and (3) diversion from the primary task. Presents examples of effective collaboration and one in which…

Discusses four major U.S. early childhood programs, supported and regulated by various levels of government, in regard to whether education and care of children prior to kindergarten should be extension of education system or separate function of society. Discusses child care, services for children with disabilities, Head Start, and other…

This letter from the president of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) addresses the departure from the organization of Marilyn Smith, Executive Directory, and J.D. Andrews, Chief Operations Officer. The letter includes information on NAEYC's search for replacements, including an official call for applications and…

Notes preschoolers' parallel play as analogous to the complexity of American early childhood service delivery. Describes four relatively independent service systems for typically developing children and two for children with special needs. Suggests that this "parallel" approach results in complicated and overlapping services, and urges development…

Discusses the importance of, and issues associated with, developing strong partnerships with the families that early childhood programs serve. Describes resources that recognize the centrality of the relationship between professionals and families and that offer advice on building quality programs that reflect this relationship. (TJQ)

Discusses the importance of educators' partnerships with colleagues, including the role of a shared sense of mission in the work environment. Considers the importance of providing highest quality services for children and their families and a healthy and supportive work environment for adults. Suggests that practitioners and parents need to…

This column, the last in a series of articles dealing with partnerships in educating young children, focuses on partnerships developed with communities. Examples of the importance of community partnerships--including provision of comprehensive services to meet student interests--welfare reform issues, and the need to be politically active are…

Discusses the importance of partnerships among professionals in early childhood education and in other fields for the effective and efficient functioning of organizations working with young children and their families. Considers how the diversity of members of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the unique…

Summarizes membership growth and progress of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) for the 1996-97 year, and the Association's effort to raise awareness of children's needs and provide opportunities for improving experiences of young children. Provides suggestions for targeting membership drives to increase…

Discusses current welfare reform focus on state-level funding for child care, offering implications for early childhood professionals. Notes that with temporary assistance, low-income mothers must move into the work force, resulting in increased reliance on center-based child care. Urges professionals to work with local and state policymakers to…