Providing a forum for current thinking related to early care and education, this book presents a wide range of views regarding research methodology, the nature of experience while teaching, teaching and program improvement, and conceptualizing play in the curriculum. The chapters are: (1) "Postmodern Research in Early Childhood Education" (Gaile…

Based on a participant-observer's 14-month experience in the day care setting, this paper describes the curriculum implementation in an inner-city day care center--called "Banza" for purposes of this paper--in which both students and teachers come from working class or poor, African American, Caribbean, or Latino families. Through its…

Noting that providing quality early childhood care and development programs is a challenge for policy makers and educational planners worldwide, this monograph presents the organizational arrangements of preschool education in a number of developed and developing countries, focusing primarily on OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and…

Children are drawn to nature and the outdoors. This guide details the inclusion of gardening in the preschool curriculum at a university child development program in Illinois. Chapter 1 of the book, "Why Garden?" details the benefits of gardening for young children, describes the project approach used, discusses the role of the teacher,…

This document is comprised of weekly newsletters for 2002, organized by month, for family child care providers. Each theme-based newsletter contains: (1) creative activities for use with mixed-age groups of 2- to 5-year-olds; (2) ideas on guiding behavior, organization tips, and a Monthly Planning Calendar; (3) special sections for infants and…

There is growing concern that early childhood educators are not giving adequate attention to promoting their students' social development. This paper discusses the social developmental needs of young children, the importance of early intervention, and possible ways that early childhood educators can nurture healthy social skills through the school…

Noting that comparisons with international numeracy standards have raised concern about the mathematics attainment of British children, this report provides information to enhance Scottish early childhood practitioner knowledge and understanding of early numeracy and gives practical examples of how to work with young children to develop their…

Recognizing the valuable early learning experiences that children encounter at home or in various preschool settings, this guide presents a curriculum framework for children aged 3 to 5 years in Scottish early years settings. The guide extends the advice offered in "A Curriculum Framework for Children in Their Pre-School Year" and…

The field of early childhood education has long been marked by intense controversy concerning appropriate curriculum and teaching methods and goals. This paper explores some implications of the traditional dichotomies of the field and suggests that while there are many reasons to resist the side that advocates formal academic instruction, it does…

Uninformed of the power of play as an educational tool, many people view play as a waste of time and call for a return to teaching basic academic skills during the period of early childhood. This chapter demonstrates that play is a major vehicle for learning, focusing on the dynamics of sociodramatic interaction that are integral to understanding…

Because intuitive aptitude for music stabilizes at about age 9 years, the early childhood years are critical to the development of children's potential for comprehending and producing music. This literature review centers on studies that have expanded knowledge of how young children perform, perceive, and create music and thus develop their…

Three kindergarten teachers integrated developmentally appropriate 30-minute daily writing experiences into the curriculum. Both teachers and students came to value writing time, and teachers became more comfortable in making writing an integral part of each day. A modified program in the second year introduced sight words and word walls earlier.…

A kindergarten teacher relates her experience of becoming a better teacher after her move from a teacher-directed to a child-centered classroom and curriculum. (BB)

Parents of 53 young children identified for giftedness between the ages of three and five responded to a questionnaire concerning child characteristics, support and availability of specialized services, curricular expectancies, and requested and volunteered services. Among immediate concerns expressed were developing and maintaining the child's…

Criticizes sexual abuse prevention training for preschool children, and analyzes the content of five curricula currently in use in California, North Dakota, and Washington. Recommends greater vigilance by adult caretakers and less reliance on children to identify molestation. (FMW)