Reports a study which compared the play of nine four-year-old girls with baby dolls and with Barbie dolls. Nonfacilitative play behavior was observed much more frequently in the baby doll sessions than in the Barbie sessions. Suggests that Barbie dolls could be used as an alternative doll activity in preschool classrooms. (CB)

Discusses research which shows the development of compliance in infants and young children. Describes the relationships between compliance and attachment to parents, childrearing style, timing and setting of control techniques, and development of self-control and problem-solving abilities. Discusses the importance of mother-child relationships for…

Describes the current post-Superwoman era in which women are more free to make choices about homemaking and employment. Women are now secure enough in the workforce that they can quit or work part-time without feeling they have let the sisterhood down. (CB)

Describes broad objectives of outdoor play. Resources for improving outdoor play environments and a playground improvement rating scale are provided. (AS)

One of the many separations that children meet with a combination of delight and anxiety occurs when they leave preschool for kindergarten. Suggestions for involving parents and planning for school leaving are included with a resource list on "school leaving". (AS)

Describes the adult's primary responsibility in facilitating toddler play as being a supportive participant. Includes guidelines for supporting play and planning play activities. (AS)

Reports on research about single-father families and discusses implications for early childhood educators. Suggests that educators encourage the single-father, adapt to his schedule, cope with adult and child stress, provide parenting information, become aware of custody arrangements, and adjust the curriculum for all children. (AS)

Differentiates between problem solving and academic learning. The importance of problem-solving possibilities and the characteristics of good problems are discussed. Defines the teacher's role in problem-solving situations and in creating problem-solving possibilities. Delineates four types of problems on the basis of the responses they encourage:…

Explores some of the meanings of professionalization for early childhood educators, especially in relation to pedagogic authority and the knowledge base which determines teaching practice. (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)

Briefly reports research findings on the long-term effects of preschool education. Recommends that permanent reform begin at the preschool and elementary levels with a concentration of resources in these years. (AS)

The second part of the research in review discusses the effects of child care programs on child compliance and recommends adult techniques to encourage cooperation and compliance. (Author/AS)

Presents five perspectives used by early childhood educators to resolve problems: personal, legal, employment, social theory, and professional ethics. Included is the National Association for the Education of Young Children's 1985 public policy survey on professional ethics. (AS)

Discusses the value of play and play materials, safe and good toys, and characteristics of children between the ages of two and six. Includes the National Association for the Education of Young Children's brochure "Choosing Good Toys for Young Children." (AS)

Suggests improving primary education through more scientific approaches to understanding various philosophies, especially child development and Piagetian theories and their theoretical links to educational practices. Recommends defining educational objectives based on precise scientific knowledge of children's construction of knowledge in an…