Contends that early childhood educators need to understand how exposure to computers and constructive computer programs affects the development of children. Specifically examines: (1) research on children's technology experiences; (2) determining best practices; and (3) addressing educators' concerns about computers replacing other developmentally…

Possible prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal causes of cerebral palsy are explored and a causal pathway theory is presented that provide a methodology to study the impact of the various causal factors. The role of an interdisciplinary team in assessment and program development is discussed and prevention strategies are presented. (Contains…

The rise in the number of children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is discussed and information is offered on behaviors signaling the need for referral in very young children. Positive and negative effects of medications are discussed, along with specific behavioral coping strategies for both home and group care. (Contains…

This article explores how providing early intervention in natural environments reinforces family-centered care, discusses benefits for all parties when therapy is provided within daily routines and settings, describes a decision-making process for embedding natural environments within intervention, and concludes by identifying challenges and…

Uses the case of a boy named Franklin, making the transition between free play and a group activity, to illustrate conflict between teachers' respect for individual play and scheduled group activities. Discusses various issues, including differing perceptions of time, closure, and independence; using learning-environment organization for…

Explores sexually oriented behaviors of children ages 3 to 5 to ascertain the range of children's sexually oriented behaviors, and reviews related studies to help parents and teachers address them. Finds that children's normal sexual behaviors comprise a broad spectrum. Provides a model for viewing children's sexuality and recommendations for…

Uses case study to present grief counseling guidelines for members of the school, community, and concerned parents affected by death. Argues that information lessens fear, and memorializing or commemorating the deceased helps children understand death and creates a foundation for the grief process. Lists age-oriented concepts of death,…

Illustrates with a case study example the importance of teachers helping young children deal with a death. Presents specific dialogs for dealing with the victim of the tragedy, the classmates, and the employees of the classroom. Focuses on teacher roles and contributions in the understanding and coping processes. (SD)

Describes six principles that guide the National Association for the Education of Young Children in achieving excellence in implementing its goals. Principles are organized around six of the eight qualities discussed by Peters and Waterman in their book "In Search of Excellence: Lessons from America's Best-Run Companies." (AS)

Briefly describes the progress, changes, and new directions of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. (AS)

Reports on two projects of the National Association for the Education of Young Children: the Child Care Information Service and the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs. Included are brief reports of the Public Policy Task Group and the Information Services Task Group. (AS)

Maintains that good quality public schooling can be made available to four-year-old children if teachers are adequately trained, if teachers have adequate support, and if there is a consensus on the reason for having schools for these children. (BB)

States the commitments of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and specific actions and concerns of the board of the NAEYC. (AS)

Presents the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) annual report, which covers a number of the Association's accomplishments and challenges. Issues covered include teacher preparation and compensation, accreditation of high-quality early childhood programs, developmentally appropriate early childhood education, and early…

Outlines application requirements for the National Association for the Education of Young Children's (NAEYC) new compensation fund for their Membership Action Group Grant program. Summarizes Membership Action Group projects that have been funded for 1990. (BB)