Early childhood educational centers (ECEC) are contexts where young children make their first contact with specific, culturally determined rules, practices, and values. Only a few studies have analyzed in-depth the practices through which the educators direct the children's action and attention while they are performing routine educational…

Studies the relationship between the components of dialog style and children's story comprehension. Measures children's ability to accurately retell a story when various components of dialog were manipulated. Shows that the use of questioning during initial storytelling greatly aids the recall of stories. (DSK)

Discusses the widespread latent demand for educational provision for children under age three in Italy. Argues that the demand springs from the different material and psychological needs of families. Describes recent developments in the large network of day care centers that have been installed by local governments in Northern and Central Italy.…