Presents a checklist that early childhood program directors can use to evaluate staff performance. The checklist enumerates positive behaviors in the areas of general work habits; attitudes and skills with children, parents, classes, and co-workers; and professional development. (AC)

Lists a total of 32 references and resources on techniques for conflict resolution in the preschool classroom, most dated in the 1980s and 1990s. (LB)

Offers advice to Head Start teachers on making parents feel comfortable as observers or volunteers in the classroom. Suggests that home visits are a way to become better acquainted with families and offers several ideas for keeping in touch with parents. Provides suggestions on encouraging parent participation and making parents feel welcome in…

This guide for field advisors, which is part of the training materials used in the Child Development Associate (CDA) National Credentialing Program, outlines the 6-month CDA fieldwork portion of the 3-part credentialing program. The guide begins by describing the background, purpose, and curriculum design of the CDA Professional Preparation…

In our modern industrial society, kindergartens are an indispensable, independent educational facility for children. Priority is given to the all-round, comprehensive promotion of children's natural resources rather than to subject-tied programs. German educator Friedrich Frobel (1782-1852) developed the concept of kindergarten, attaching great…

Implemented in an urban community college's child development teacher training program, this practicum project addressed the problem of discrepancies between training and work environments. General goals of the practicum were: (1) to design a learning styles training format for preschool teachers; (2) to provide teachers with factual information…

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…

This document is a guide to provide the foundation for developing local Head Start programs into strong communities for staff and families. Using workshop and coaching activities, the guide initiates a process of staff training and development designed to foster cooperation between families and staff. These activities encourage Head Start staff…

This book provides information to preschool teachers and administrators in developing effective programs for young linguistic backgrounds of second-language-learning children, the children. Information about the importance of the cultural and linguistic backgrounds of second-language learning children, the course that second-language learning is…

The goals of this practicum were to improve kindergarten music instruction by providing the classroom teacher with (1) kindergarten music instructional objectives; (2) a kindergarten skills development sequence; (3) tested sample unit study plans for an interdisciplinary approach to music instruction; and (4) an orientation class in music…

Kindergarten teachers do not view social studies as an important part of the preschool curriculum. This was the finding of a survey of kindergarten teachers in two midwestern states. The questionnaires used in the survey were designed to determine the emphasis teachers placed on specific social studies topics, skills, and values. Teachers…

Maintains that preschool teachers can encourage meaningful dialogue and enhance learning among young children by asking appropriate questions, using fewer "known-answer" and testing questions, being sensitive to cultural differences, and creating an environment in which the educational goal is conversational equality between teachers and…