Provides the information currently available on the types of programs offered for prekindergartners and the children served by or through local and state education agencies. Examines types of preschool services offered, families being served, and the implications for the field of early childhood. Expresses concern about settings of unknown…

Contends that young children show surprising awareness of other's feelings. Provides background research concerning children's understanding; addresses levels of understanding of perception, emotions, desires, and beliefs; advises how parents and teachers can support children's development of understanding; and notes the powerful role and…

Addresses the origins of the American school readiness myth, arguing that Americans are far too preoccupied with readiness. Concludes that early childhood professionals need to address and demystify this myth by defining early childhood education in the content-oriented context of what young children should know and be able to do. (SD)

Notes that love for children, training and experience, and respect for and trust in each child are fundamental attributes for preschool teachers. Offers suggestions for additional aspects of early-childhood educators. Suggests that developmental learning theory, humor, courage, and integrity are additional qualities to be found in a well-rounded…

Notes that gender equity is important in elementary and secondary schools and can have long-term effects on students. Reviews research on the topic and presents guidelines for early-childhood classrooms. Observes that gender-equitable classrooms establish a set of shared goals achieved through a combination of curriculum and teacher behavior. (LBT)

Posits that an emergent curriculum is a continuous revision process. Describes relevant experiences in kindergarten classrooms, noting how students' interests guide activities but teachers keep curricular goals in mind; unit themes are chosen according to children's expressed interests; and the flexibility necessary for this approach makes…

Notes that projects provide opportunities to study in detail interesting subjects, and explores factors of successful project planning. Groups projects in three categories: event- or goal-oriented; child-initiated; and in-depth topic studies. Details attributes of the class, school, and teacher that determine project appropriateness. (LBT)

Notes that time-outs have become a preferred method for setting limits with preschool children, and illustrates why this method is not developmentally appropriate for use with toddlers. Suggests that caregivers should join young children at play, be alert for learning opportunities, and develop practices to minimize conflicts. (LBT)

Notes that the majority of brain development occurs in the first three years of life. States that infant and toddler interactions are beneficial to both ages, provided contact occurs in a safe environment. Discusses how infants and toddlers learn from each other through play, even if they are nonverbal, and further benefit from insights and…

Discusses the Step by Step Program, funded by the Open Society Institute (OSI) and operated in Eastern and Central Europe, former Soviet states, Haiti, and South Africa. Discusses OSI's belief that educating the youngest members of society in a way that encourages individualism, choice, initiative, and appreciation of differences can lead to a new…

Contends that accreditation alone is not the solution to problems facing early childhood and school-age education programs. Presents seven recommendations for program accreditation. Suggests that stakeholders should also continue to refine standards and practices, focus on integrating accreditation policies into comprehensive plans, view…

Notes that caregivers, parents, and teachers struggle with discipline; suggests that examination of possible causes of unacceptable behaviors may lead to understanding. Contends that reflection rather than reaction can promote positive outcomes as five basic issues contribute to child behavior: (1) developmental stage; (2) individual difference;…

Notes the difficulty of finding quality day care for special needs children. Discusses Project Specialcare, designed to support family child-care providers who accept such children into their programs. Describes how providers participated in Saturday sessions focused on a topic followed by open discussion and how the advice and counsel of a…

Contends that inclusion alone does not address concerns of children of color. Provides guidelines for adapting the curriculum and interactions in a kindergarten setting. Suggests that, by viewing the antithetical concept of exclusion, early-childhood educators gain insight into the problem. (LBT)

Notes that kindergarten children often use invented spelling but want to learn the correct way to spell. Presents components of a spelling program that allows a variety of learning procedures while maintaining a reasonable amount of independence for students. Program includes weekly homework assignments, daily spelling efforts, picture/word…