Purpose: Trade unions, like many other membership-based social movement organisations, are confronted by the challenge of growth and revitalisation. Declining membership numbers, an increasingly restrictive legislative framework, and dramatic changes in modes of employment have combined to challenge many unions to rethink the way they work. In…

The purposes of this study were to present a conceptual model for selection into the early childhood profession and to test the model using contemporaneous assessments. A stratified random sample of center-based child care providers in 4 Midwestern states (n=964) participated in a telephone interview, and 223 were also assessed with the Early…

This announcement of a new profession -- Child Development Associate -- was made at the Annual Conference of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, Minneapolis, Minn., November 6, 1971, by the Chief of the Office of Child Development and the Children's Bureau. (RY)

Research tells us that specialized training and education of teachers is one of the strongest predictors of child care quality. In the late 1960s, however, most states did not require preservice training or higher education for teachers in early childhood programs or family child care homes. At that time, Missouri wanted to develop a project that…

Describes the process of developing a program to certify nannies. Includes a step-by-step guide to a new program. (JOW)

In 2006, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation launched the Early Learning Initiative (ELI) to improve the school readiness of Washington State's children through three main strategies: (1) development of high-quality, community-wide early learning initiatives in two communities; (2) enhancement of statewide systems that support early…

Presents kinds of data that can be used in exploring careers. Focuses on child care occupations and includes information such as educational requirements, hours and earnings, job satisfaction, and costs of the program. (JOW)

Interviews with 115 candidates for qualifications in care and childcare occupations in Britain (7% males) revealed the following: 24% wanted to work with people; 25% entered care by chance; 35% had prior experience in the field; and 34% thought that such work fitted with family needs and responsibilities. Most men were motivated by unemployment,…

The booklet is the second in a series on the ways that child care centers can contribute to the healthy growth and development of preschool children, and focused on is the mothering teacher. The child care teacher is thought to be a mother substitute who can help the child learn to trust the world. Mothering is seen to involve a natural drive to…

Preschools in a secondary school setting can add a dynamic dimension to child development and parenting courses. They serve as laboratories for classes and as a preschool program for children, and they provide a service for parents and the community. (JOW)

Data collected in visits to 50 for-profit and 50 nonprofit day care centers showed no quality differences and little efficiency difference between the two sectors. Cost of increasing quality from mediocre to good was 12-16 cents per child-hour. (SK)

Interviews with nine students preparing for child care work explored how aesthetic concepts of harmony and tension contribute to their vocational goals and perceptions. Harmony is experienced in love of children, enjoyment of teamwork, and personal mission. Tension results from low wages and lack of societal respect. (Contains 41 references.) (JOW)

Although employment growth in the child day care service industry is projected to be among the fastest in the economy over the 1988-2000 period, the rate of growth should slow as demographic pressures ease. (Author)

Comparison of in-home child care providers in Newark and Camden, New Jersey, and South Chicago, Illinois, showed that (1) unregulated providers offer more adult-time intensive care than licensed providers; (2) licensed family providers show more commitment to the profession; and (3) family providers offer large discounts on fees covering more than…

This issue's "Voices of Pioneers" segment features the work of Karl Menninger, pre-eminent psychiatrist, and his contributions to prison reform, mental health, and child care systems. Notes many of Menninger's books and writings, including relevant quotes throughout the article. Also describes Menninger's concern over the plight of…