This article examines the clinical aspects of etiology-related behaviors in young children with genetic mental retardation syndromes. Discussion of the concept of behavioral phenotype leads to consideration of how interventionists can best provide more focused and more effective interventions for children with different genetic disorders and…

This article describes two studies that examined the concurrent and predictive validity of the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales Developmental Profile (CSBS DP), a measure for identifying children less than 24 months old who are at risk for communication disorders. Findings support the use of prelinguistic predictors and the important…

Questions current emphasis on standardized tests and discusses several factors about the tests that should prompt reevaluation of their usefulness. Issues discussed include: development and design of standardized tests; the correlation between test scores and socioeconomic position; the discrepancy between test designs and accurate reflection of…

Discusses disadvantages of standardized testing, particularly those associated with testing young children, and the problems they create for classroom teachers. Offers suggestions for coping with standardized testing in the curriculum and encourages educators to organize and take action in an effort to change educational policy. Outlines 14 ways…

Describes hardships of Hispanic migrant workers and their families living and working in the United States, and how these conditions effect young children. Focuses particularly on Migrant Head Start and discusses components of programs and services offered; special challenges of migrant education; how teachers respond to migrant children's special…

Four case studies are presented illustrating how kindergarten curricula can enhance early literacy development. Curriculum components described include student choice, activities appropriate for multiple developmental levels, large blocks of work time, shared voice, theme-based learning, access to materials, respect for autonomy, and minimal large…

Explains how high quality early childhood programs address academics, including assessment, and are accountable to early childhood standards. Describes how the early childhood learning situation that looks very much like play is actually a carefully designed and organized learning environment that provides structure, stimulation, and support for…

A kindergarten teacher relates her teaching experiences as she reexamines her role as teacher and shifts her focus from reading readiness to teaching reading. She reflects on her teaching practices, on learning new skills herself, and the challenge of incorporating new knowledge and practices into classroom instruction. (TJQ)

Discusses the role of early childhood educators in helping young children express their feelings safely and work out their conflicts constructively, because without healing, learning and growth are impaired. Describes techniques teachers can use to be supportive to children during the healing process and simple activities that help children…

Suggests that planned interactions with experts have the potential for giving children a better understanding of the world beyond the classroom, and asserts that receptive and active communication strategies are key to a successful classroom visit. Describes one teacher's experience using visitor resources and offers advice on planning, preparing…

Early childhood teachers, the first contacts outside the family for many children, are in a key position to convey knowledge about adoption and model acceptance of it. As teachers educate themselves about adoption issues, they can foster a positive response to family diversity in the classroom by raising awareness, empowering adopted children, and…

This article summarizes findings of "What Grown-ups Understand about Child Development," a national survey to gauge America's knowledge about child development. The findings suggest a need for more and better information on topics such as expectations of young children at different ages, theories on spanking and spoiling, and choices of activities…

Multiple, daily decisions about a myriad of things add to people's sense of stress, complexity, and being stretched too thin, but especially for parents of young children. This article points out the need to offer parents quality options, not simply more options, and advice and support in following through on the decisions they make affecting…

Reviews 15 children's books in Spanish. Titles reviewed include: "Perro y gato [Dog and Cat]" (Ricardo Alcantara); "Baldomero va a la escuela [Baldomero goes to School]" (Alain Broutin); "Duerme bien, pequeno oso [Sleep well, Little Bear]" (Quint Buchholz); "El mas bonito de todos los regales del mundo [The Most Beautiful Gift in the World]…

Examines the central historical and contemporary role of blocks and construction toys in early childhood education. Describes how commercially produced blocks were conceptualized as a surface for displaying symbols, as pure form, or as a way to transmit a cultural heritage of architectural styles. Discusses how blocks were used in early…