Introduces "Beginnings," a 16-page, pull-out section that contains workshop materials for directors to use in teacher training. This issue of "Beginnings" deals with the theme of conflict resolution. (LB)

Examines the extent to which kindergarten pupil and teacher behaviors during administration of the Iowa Test of Basic Skills--Early Primary Battery may compromise the meaningfulness and usefulness of the test scores. Although extensive variability in behavior was observed, most teachers followed directions exactly and most pupils encountered no…

Maintains that center directors can help teachers increase their professional competence by helping them examine their belief systems. Describes the use of an assessment tool designed to help teachers reflect on their role in the classroom and their attitudes and beliefs about children and parents. (SM)

To translate the concept of a conflict resolution curriculum into everyday practice, teachers can identify their own filters and agendas in conflicts; examine the classroom environment; and refine their interaction skills. (LB)

Intended for managers of child care programs, this brochure lists the basic components of a clearly defined personnel policy. The guide is based on the personnel practices and experiences of more than 1,200 Head Start programs serving over 442,000 children nationwide. Emphasis is given to staff recruitment, screening, and the selection process.…

In 1914-15, the Bureau of Education made a study of kindergarten training schools, the results of which were published in Bulletin, 1916, No. 5. Following the publication of this bulletin, a number of supervisors of kindergartens throughout the United States requested the Bureau of Education to make a study of kindergarten supervision similar to…

Written for child care center directors, this book offers a framework for thinking about and organizing the director's work along with principles and strategies to cultivate the kind of thinking and activities that support a vision of early childhood programs as learning communities. Chapter 1, "Guiding Your Program with a Vision," offers a vision…

Noting the scarcity of readily available information about men in child care and early education, this handbook is designed to support and nurture men in the profession, to provide information to men considering the profession, and to inform administrators and others regarding recruiting, retaining, and dealing with the issues of men in child care…

This document clarifies the credentials necessary for people who wish to work in various capacities with young children, focusing on the required early childhood teacher certification and/or licensure for programs under the responsibility of the Ohio Department of Education. The document covers the following areas: selected questions on teacher…

Suggests strategies center directors can use to improve teachers' verbal interactions with children. Directors can help teachers (1) understand child growth and development; (2) understand that what they say matters; (3) hear themselves talking to children; and (4) develop their observation skills. Directors can also share good models with…

Describes the early childhood system in Reggio Emilia, Italy, in which educators (1) ensure that children live in "a community of well-being"; (2) create a supportive environment; (3) respect individual rhythms; (4) maintain work areas for the visual arts; (5) respond flexibly to children; and (6) foster peer support. (AC)

Recognizing that families have played an essential role in the Head Start philosophy since the program's inception, the Head Start Family and Child Experiences Survey (FACES) is an effort to develop a descriptive profile of families participating in the Head Start program and services, as well as to develop, test, and refine Program Performance…

A well-ordered classroom promotes learning, helps build a classroom community, and frees teachers to observe and interact with children in positive ways. This videotape shows how classroom and outdoor environments can convey six positive messages for preschool children: (1) this is a good place to be; (2) you belong here as a valued member of the…

Many early childhood teachers report an increase in children's use of aggressive means to work out disputes, often as a result of such influences as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fad. This article offers suggestions for helping children learn ways to resolve conflicts and for creating a conflict resolution curriculum. (LB)

In a survey of early childhood program directors, teachers, and parents, over 90 percent felt teachers were underpaid and most were pessimistic about prospects for change. Lobbying, media campaigns, and working with employers were cited as effective strategies for improving wages, while walkouts and unionizing were rejected. (AC)