The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a preschool emergent literacy enrichment curriculum. Participants were 126 Head Start children, their teachers, and their parents. Matched centers were assigned to 1 of 3 conditions: experimental literacy, experimental math, or control. Teachers in both experimental groups implemented…

This curriculum for Head Start programs provides preschool learning experiences that teach about dental health. The majority of the curriculum guide is devoted to the following lesson plans: (1) "Introduction of 'Smiley the Super Pup'," an optional puppet character which may be used to review the concepts covered in each lesson; (2)…

At Edmonds Community College (Washington), the Campus Parent Child Care Center, which provides parent education and day care for children from 2-1/2 to 5 years of age, has extended the children's curriculum to include computer science instruction. First, the children are introduced to basic computer terminology, such as "keyboard,""monitor" and…

A total of 103 children 2 through 6 years of age were interviewed and 73 of their parents and 60 preschool teachers completed a questionnaire about their perceptions of play. Most parents defined play as something for fun or amusement, while teachers saw it both as fun and as an opportunity for cognitive and social development. Both parents and…

Described in this document are elements of a child-directed curriculum as implemented in the context of an academic nursery school. The teacher's role in adult-child interactions is seen as one that involves (1) learning emotionally, intellectually, and contextually from children; (2) focusing on the child's immediate needs, thereby motivating…

THE AIM OF AN EXPERIMENTAL PRESCHOOL PROGRAM FOR EDUCATIONALLY DEPRIVED CHILDREN WAS TO PREPARE THEM FOR REGULAR KINDERGARTEN CLASSES. ACTIVITIES AND EXPERIENCES WERE PROVIDED WHICH HELPED THE CHILDREN EXPRESS THEMSELVES VERBALLY AND BECOME AWARE OF THEIR ENVIRONMENT. THE BUDGET FOR A 6-WEEK PROGRAM, INCLUDING STAFF, PROGRAM SUPPLIES, AND…

This booklet contains descriptions of craft activities for preschool children. The materials needed are listed, and instructions for making the materials from common household goods are given. Instructions and "recipes" are presented in five chapter sections: (1) Media, (2) Special Projects, (3) Gifts, (4) Parties, and (5) Things to Make. (DP)

Describes a private, predominantly Black preschool, located in Arlington, Virginia, established to provide both quality child care and education. The preschool's philosophy and goals emphasize cultural/ethnic respect, development of the whole child, self discipline, realistic and positive thinking, interpersonal effectiveness; and academic…

This study examined ratings of program quality and cooperation made by parents and staff from three types of Swedish preschools: (1) run by the local government; (2) run by private parent cooperatives; and (3) private enterprises. Questionnaires with open-ended and closed questions were used to collect data. The same questions were asked once a…

Adapted from a paper presented at the ASCD Conference, San Francisco, Calif., March 5, 1970.

Describes an early intervention project set up in day care centers for 85 children aged three to five years with and without special needs. The project was based on objectives which would ensure the choice of structured interventions and suit them to individual needs. Intervention effects are considered positive on a short term basis. Text in…

This article surveys the current state of curriculum options for gifted preschoolers, and provides data from a survey of 60 educators of preschoolers in South Carolina concerning attitudes about appropriate curricula and instruction. Drawing on these results a list of recommendations for improvements in preschool programs is offered. (PB)

Argues that introducing preschoolers to the kinds of formal basic skills instruction they will receive in elementary school fosters "learned stupidity" and merely teaches the ability to memorize concepts that have no meaning. Advocates that preschool programs focus on play, motor skills, and that which is visible, tangible, and audible. (DMM)

"Ready, Set, Leap!"[R] is a comprehensive preschool curriculum that focuses on early reading skills such as phonemic awareness, letter knowledge, and letter-sound correspondence using multi-sensory technology that incorporates touch, sight, and sound. The "Ready, Set, Leap!"[R] curriculum is available in English and Spanish.…