"Emergent literacy" means that a young child's communication skills are in the emerging state. Clearly, the child's environment is supremely important in nurturing this emerging literacy (Morrow 1995). Children cannot become literate alone. They need the help of others to claim their own unique literacy. Although most parents recognize that they…

Suggests ways early years educators can begin teaching young children to think algebraically and prepare them for success in algebra. Focuses on ways to promote mathematical patterns, mathematical situations and structures, models of quantitative relationship, and change. Describes how first-graders used real object representations to better…

Presents guidelines for selecting materials for 6- to 8-year-olds in primary school settings involved in four categories of play: social and fantasy play; exploration and mastery play; music, art, and movement play; and gross motor play. Asserts that providing a variety of materials for children's independent activities pursued alone or with peers…

Identifies eight categories of curriculum modifications that teachers can use in their early childhood classrooms to help children with disabilities and other special needs participate in play activities. Describes and includes examples of modifications relating to environmental support, materials adaptation, simplifying the activity, using child…

This second edition of the bestselling book "The Young Child and Mathematics" reflects recent developments in math education in a wealth of vignettes from classrooms, activity ideas, and strategies for teaching young children about math processes and concepts. Using standards and guidelines from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics…

Discusses how field trips can build a community of experience in preschool settings. Focuses on what to consider when planning field trips, how to reduce field trip costs, adjustments to be made during the trip, and ways to bring the trip to the preschool setting. Suggests activities after the field trip, and destinations related to the arts,…

Presents a model for using guidance in mild and serious conflict situations in the preschool classroom. Describes how classic conflict management techniques are used to make both parties equal contributors to a peaceful settlement through mediation, including guidance talks, self-removal, and class meetings. Discusses use of comprehensive guidance…

The ability to use language (speak, read, write) is not something that children suddenly or automatically develop. It is rather a culmination of experiences with language that begin at birth. Sharing stories (oral storytelling, books) and "story experiences" (conversations, songs, poems, rhymes) with infants and toddlers is critical to building…

This article uses an outcome-driven model within a family-centered, interdisciplinary team philosophy to develop a 10-step framework to help service providers fit assistive technology (AT) services to the needs of infants and toddlers. Criteria for determining appropriate AT interventions are offered, as is the critical information needed for…

Discussion of the case method of instruction (CMI) in early intervention personnel preparation offers information on selecting quality cases, preparing for case discussion, facilitating case discussion, and evaluating learner outcomes. Strategies described were field-tested and validated with 128 early intervention instructors who participated in…

This article explores the responsibility of early childhood educators to advocate for young children as both individuals and family members, reviewing legal and administrative guidance under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and exploring possible conflicts between family and professional opinions of the child's best interests. The…

Coaching in early childhood is an interactive process to promote a parent's or other care provider's ability to support a child's participation in everyday experiences and interactions with family members and peers across settings. This article provides guidelines for early childhood professionals serving young children with disabilities and their…

This article first reviews the literature regarding temperament and outcomes for children with developmental disabilities and explores methods for integrating temperament information into early intervention practice. It proposes that children with developmental disabilities who present extreme scores in specific domains of temperament may benefit…

This article discusses self-determination for young children and provides a framework for looking at self-determination across routines in a variety of early childhood settings. A self-monitoring set of questions is presented to help practitioners and families in examining contextual and multiple factors, specifically: (1) the child's current…

This article describes medical problems that occur more frequently in young children with Down syndrome. These include common cardiac, hearing, and vision problems and less common thyroid and celiac diseases. Guidelines for preventing dental and obesity problems are followed by suggestions to early interventionists for watching for leukemia, neck…