Differentiates between punishment and discipline. Personal interaction styles, the environment, schedules, and personal expectations are discussed as having an effect on children's behavior. Recommends that techniques rely on problem-solving skills in helping children become self-disciplined. (AS)

Focuses on environmental influences on variations in infants' exploratory behavior, the stability of these differences, and the relation between differences in exploratory play and later cognitive development. (AS)

Discusses the value of building blocks for young children and describes developmental changes in their symbolic representation of space. Implications for activities to promote spatial representation are drawn. (AS)

Briefly discusses possible goals for the National Association for the Education of Young Children. (AS)

Recommends that, instead of focusing on cognitive and educational issues, early childhood education focus more on the emotional and social characteristics of young children and on how these characteristics interact with cognition and learning. (AS)

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)

Identifies four central characteristics common in psychologically resilient children, discussing the role of protective factors within and outside the family and the shifting balance between vulnerability and resiliency. Implications for early childhood educators are drawn. (AS)

Reports growing business interest in child care assistance for employees. Briefly describes benefits of such programs for both employers and employees, presenting cost-benefit analyses of three companies that indicate impact on productivity and value to employees. (AS)

Raises issues for public debate on the quality of child care services. Argues for immediate closure of harmful centers, state licensing laws, expanding present child care services in the public schools, and a comprehensive child development act that puts early childhood education programs into public schools. (AS)

Summarizes three recent studies which found relationships between the quality of day care centers and children's development. Also describes the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale and its effects when used by centers for self-evaluation. Discusses similar benefits of self-study resulting from the accreditation program of the National…

Provides guidelines for preschool teachers leading singing activities. Discusses the musical abilities of young children at different ages and suggests appropriate songs for each age group. Describes way to learn and teach songs. (CB)

Discusses research on the effect of integrating disabled children into early childhood programs. Finds fears that nondisabled children will imitate the socially unacceptable behaviors of disabled children or will not make adequate progress to be unfounded. Social integration of disabled children was found to be dependent on the attitudes and…

Suggests that while the National Association for the Education of Young Children has grown in size, sophistication, and complexity as well as in age, it is important for members to stay in touch with each other and the workings of the organization. Voicing concerns as a collective whole will increase effectiveness. (CB)

Describes the principles upon which the author raised two very different and successful daughters. These include believing that one has a great impact on one's own destiny; encouraging differences and individuality; placing few limitations on aspirations; spending time with children; allowing children to explore their interests; and having a sense…