Argues that a family-centered approach is as important and applicable to early care and education programs as it is to family-friendly work environments. Encourages child care settings to incorporate ideas and participation by families, providers, public sector, and private sector in order to provide high-quality services. (SD)

Child caregivers are in a particularly strong position to be child advocates, as they have the most current and effective information about child development. Advocacy is a fundamental responsibility of NAEYC, which is exploring ways to increase its advocacy activities. Effective advocacy requires a variety of individuals with an extensive range…

States the importance of effective outreach programs. Describes components of outreach that are important to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Discusses monitoring implementation of outreach at NAEYC and issues such as multiculturalism and vocal extremism. (MOK)

Stresses the need to understand respective children's personalities, learning styles, preferences, special abilities, and family heritage--including culture, language, values, members, and history. With increasing numbers of diverse families served by early-care and education programs, encourages those involved in the care and education of young…

Discusses the educational philosophy of Henry Maier, a developmentalist who focuses on traditionally defined child and youth practices. Claims that children thrive in a developmentally safe environment that includes exploratory, child-paced time to manipulate objects, interact with others in sociodramatic play, and solve problems. Discusses signs…

Emphasizes the National Association for the Education of Young Children's (NAEYC) mission of enhancing the growth and development of young children. Suggests that the implementation of NAEYC's goals requires the effective involvement of its members and the public. It is important that NAEYC provide its constituents with accurate, easily understood…

Focuses on the transition of problem children from one child care center to another, when administrators determine that a program can no longer serve that child's needs. Describes four different cases to illustrate the range of behaviors associated with difficult children. Proposes strategies to accomplish successful transitions for these children…

Reflects on issues and areas in which the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) has made progress or a significant contributions over the years. Points out several current social trends that demand the attention of educators. Suggests that members of NAEYC should combine their efforts to enable them to fulfill their…

Discusses the critical links between children's social and cognitive development in light of findings of the Cost, Quality, and Child Outcomes in Child Care Centers study discussed in this issue. Highlights some observations of the study. Examines public notions regarding child care and the need to increase awareness of circumstances from which…

Discusses NAEYC's efforts to advance early care and education providers' knowledge base, skills, and responsibility levels, and the implications of corresponding public policy related to their training. Suggests that the professional training agenda must prepare caregivers to meet the needs of children of various races, languages, social classes,…

Comments on the dilemma of defining the early care and education profession when its knowledge base is needed to determine both the tone and substance of the national social policy agenda. Suggests considering early care and education as part of the broader field of people known as developmentalists and, in this role, ensuring that children's…

Presents testimony given at a Congressional briefing on findings of the National Child Care Staffing Study. The study concerned the staffing and budgeting crisis in the child care industry as a whole and the University of Pittsburgh Child Development Center in particular. (Author/BB)

Provides a rationale for use of the term "developmentalist" to refer to practitioners, teachers, and scholars. Defines being a "developmentalist" and suggests that this concept, which integrates educators' knowledge bases about preschool, child care, and early childhood education, contributes to a comprehensive view of child care and education…

Explores the role of NAEYC' accreditation in improving the quality of early childhood programs. Highlights the importance of the self-study process during accreditation procedures. (HTH)