Discusses four trends in family life which are particularly affecting Head Start and other programs serving low-income families (1) feminization of poverty, (2) teenage parenting, (3) increasing number of employed mothers, and (4) increasing challenges to attaining economic self-sufficiency. Explores the implications of these trends for Head Start…

James L. Hymes, Jr., former President of NAEYC and member of the original Head Start Planning Committee, is interviewed about his hopes for and disappointments with Head Start during the past 20 years. Highlights Head Start's initial benefits to families, children, and the early childhood profession; program quality; and continued lack of federal…

Discusses emotional responses and adjustment problems of preschool children when relocating. Particularly addresses young child's perspective on moving, typical reactions to relocating, and parent and teacher strategies to ease transition to new environment. Such strategies include (1) maintaining empathy, (2) being flexible, (3) being observant…

Discusses the role of early childhood teacher educators in recognizing the necessity to advocate for child care staff and its resulting benefits for children. Recommends that such advocacy can be woven into the teacher education curriculum and that students should actively participate and be provided role models to encourage development of active…

Reports results of a study in which 35 teachers of children ages 2.5 through kindergarten were interviewed and observed during group time. Reveals tentative conclusions that teachers can plan and implement activities that are more appropriate to the age, developmental level, or social functioning of the group. Offers specific recommendations for…

Discusses importance attributed to social competence with peers for social development of young children and implications for later years. Review of research addresses the following issues regarding unpopular children: types of interaction patterns, parental childrearing patterns, and development of improved social skills through the help of…

Demonstrates typical concerns and problems associated with administering and maintaining a rural community Head Start center as exemplified by the Carbon County Child Development Program in Rawlins, Wyoming. Emphasizes the poverty of families served, lack of federal financial support, enrollment trends, and educational benefits of the Head Start…

Suggests that parents can encourage independence, self-reliance, and healthy self-concept by involving children in appropriate household tasks. Describes a six-week project designed to encourage parents to attain this goal. (KS)

Offers a brief overview of children's speech development, discussing positive attitudes toward stuttering and outlining strategies for appropriate interventions by teachers and other adults. A checklist of factors to consider in making a referral for stuttering is provided. (KS)

Describes the formation of story awareness in young children, suggesting methods for assessment and activities to facilitate its development. (KS)

Considers issues that challenge parents and professionals faced with the need for infant group care: nurturing in the infant caregiver, staff stability, economics of staff/infant ratios, the role of language in caregiving, altruism in babies, group versus individual time, control and power issues, caregiver training, and "people problems." (KS)

Reviews the literature on effectiveness in early childhood teaching, focusing on the effective teacher's personal characteristics, values and beliefs, and behavior. Also considered are effects of sex, education, and experience; situational factors; and implications for teacher education and selection. (KS)

Outlines priorities for the future of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Specifically discusses the importance of the early years, demand for child care, public policy activities, membership and leadership, organizational structure, clinical research, certification, and public education. (KS)

Describes the components of a professional manuscript and discusses how successful papers are written and published. (KS)

Enumerates negative emotions that early childhood teachers may feel when first encountering the handicapped child and suggests ways to overcome these feelings. (KS)