Presents readers' responses to an ethical dilemma "What Should a Teacher Do When a Parent Defines Academically Rigorous Education Differently Than She Does?" Notes that responses focused on defending practices rather than working with parents. Presents suggestions from a principal for a K-2 school, including developing an assessment profile of the…

Discusses the concepts developed in a mapmaking unit for kindergartners, including representation, symbolization, perspective, and scale. Describes classroom activities of constructing a model of the classroom, a map of the classroom, maps of children's bedrooms, the immediate community, and a map of the children's day. Asserts that mapping…

Discusses the historical context for the evolution of the Child Development Associate (CDA). Describes the CDA's contributions to the early childhood profession, and discusses its impact on programs and individuals. Speculates about the future of CDA credentialing, including the need for professionalism and new specializations. Notes that the CDA…

Describes the Collaborative Professional Assessment Process (CPAP) to guide the evaluation of the director of early childhood programs. Examines the assumptions upon which the CPAP is based. Lists the management skills and leadership abilities of successful child care directors. Includes the Director Self-Evaluation form and a program evaluation…

Discusses the importance of cultural sensitivity and specific cultural knowledge when providing care for infants and toddlers. Makes suggestions for responding to cultural differences. Describes dialogue and reflective-thinking strategies for identifying and responding to cultural differences. Asserts that caregivers need diversity training to see…

Examines the effects of scarcity and abundance as they might apply to quality in early childhood programs. Maintains that scarcity limits good teaching and suggests that well-stocked supply areas will reduce hoarding. Argues that having adequate supplies on hand reduces wasted time and stress, and enhances workplace quality of life. (KB)

Chronicles one school's attempt to create a school- wide portfolio as a tool for evaluating the growth and progress of children and as a means of professional growth for teachers and the director/principal. Discusses the staff meetings to discuss philosophy, focus group meetings to formulate the portfolios, and between-meeting activities. Notes…

Presents scenarios illustrating how early childhood educators can educate principals, parents, and others about developmentally appropriate practices, including sharing current early childhood research, position papers, and training opportunities. Argues that educators should be prepared to support their practices and teaching strategies,…

Describes how teachers' observations of children can help behavioral pediatricians identify family situations contributing to marked changes in children's behavior related to divorce. Discusses ways teachers can support children of divorce, including maintaining consistency and discipline, making children feel competent, listening to the child's…

Discusses preschoolers' interest in and wonder about sexual anatomical differences, and adults' responses to their questions. Presents Freudian stages of psychosexual development, the relationship between sexual identity and gender role, children's preference for single-sex play groups, sex stereotyped toy preferences, and the role of television…

Discusses the importance of creating retreat spaces for young children in child care settings. Identifies special challenges and opportunities for creating such spaces in family child care homes. Outlines research findings detailing the benefits of retreats for children, and discusses the contributions of location, form, and materials in creating…

Presents tips for early childhood teachers on the use of photographs in the classroom. Includes suggestions for using the camera effectively, using photos of the children, and creating classroom activities with photos. Asserts that the photographs often enhance the meaning of a classroom activity for children. (KB)

Discusses how meaningful family involvement can enhance the efforts of early childhood teachers. Presents suggestions for creating inviting attitudes and environments. Identifies how schools and families benefit from family involvement. Describes ways to fund and staff family learning centers in schools. Asserts that parent outreach is the key to…

Presents information on the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education's requirements for a performance-based system of assessing teacher candidates and the similar requirements of NAEYC within its higher education program approval process. Presents questions to create a systematic teacher assessment plan, websites for further…

Discusses the factors leading to quality improvements in military child care. Presents reasons why military child care system has been more effective than the civilian system in promoting quality. Describes the specific policies that have supported the high rate of accreditation among military child development centers. Asserts that the Military…