Poverty-related factors place children at higher risk for disabilities and also serve as barriers to families accessing services for their children and themselves. Early childhood practitioners can play a critical role in supporting families by providing services to overcome these obstacles and by working in partnership with specialized early…

Whether a center director or teacher aide, child care professionals share in the leadership process every day. This guide draws on the author's more than 23 years of experiences to help early childhood teachers at all levels make the most of their roles as leaders in the lives of children, families, and fellow educators. The guide combines…

In craft training, children are taught preschool skills as they create art projects with an adult. By creating toys, pictures, and other projects from readily available materials, children become involved in cooking, coloring, cutting, drawing, gluing, and beginning writing. The first rule of craft training is to let the child do the work of…

The third volume in the Transition Magician series, this book is designed to help early childhood professionals in supporting the parents of young children. The book provides activities for parents and young children for home and away from home to guide children through difficult transition times and to make the most of valuable opportunities for…

This booklet provides basic, practical information to assist adults in helping young children to resolve their conflicts with each other. Following introductory information, the booklet discusses why conflict occurs between young children, focusing on children's ability to respect the rights of others, control expressions of anger, assert…

The purpose of this paper is to assist early childhood teachers in developing curriculum content by considering the philosophical issues that surround the curriculum decision-making process. Curriculum development is construed in terms of a multi-step decision-making process through which teachers progress. Steps of the process are: (1)…

Discusses the importance of communication between preschool providers and parents of children with disabilities who are transitioning from early intervention programs to preschool programs. Communication needs before, during, and after the transition are addressed. A sample questionnaire for families of new students and a communication schedule…

Discusses some teaching strategies and classroom activities that kindergarten teachers can use to enhance the natural development of writing--from scribbling to writing meaningful messages--in children. (BB)

This pamphlet discusses new curriculum guidelines, as approved under Ruling number 5220/97, for preschool education in Portugal. The law defines preschool as a first step in basic education that complements the education provided by the family, and recommends that schools work in collaboration with parents to foster the training and balanced…

As early childhood teachers apply principles of guidance rather than punishment in their classrooms, they face the challenge of avoiding a slippage into traditional discipline practices and transcending the punitive aspects of discipline. Guidance is designed to teach children democratic life skills and therefore goes beyond discipline. Teachers…

Presents a teacher training methodology for translating creativity into classroom practice by helping teachers (1) identify their own filters and agendas; (2) create an environment that fosters creativity; (3) deepen their understanding of child development; and (4) refine their techniques for student-teacher interaction. (AC)

Discusses the change in kindergarten from an emergency or welfare institution to an integral part of family life and early education. Argues that, although the nature of kindergarten has changed, the training of kindergarten teachers has not. Suggests that future kindergarten teachers be trained in teaching theory rather than just personality…

A learning center is a defined space where materials are organized in such a way that children learn without the teacher's constant direction. This book offers guidelines that will help preprimary and primary school teachers organize and manage learning centers in the classroom. Chapter 1 describes the advantages of using learning centers and…

Discusses ways in which kindergarten and primary teachers can maximize their role in meeting the special needs of young gifted children. A case study illustrates the situation. (BB)

Noting that violent behavior is learned, often early in life, this booklet offers early childhood educators helpful violence-prevention information and suggestions based on early childhood research and the wisdom of good practice. The booklet begins by reviewing young children's emotional needs and developmental characteristics, and then suggests…