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)

This practicum was designed to reinforce the importance of meeting the needs of the whole child in the classroom--the social, emotional, and psychological needs, not just the intellectual needs. The practicum was implemented in the Montessori Learning Center, a small private preschool and elementary school located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, by…

A practicum was conducted primarily to increase prekindergarten teachers' skills as well as their personal feelings of competence and confidence as they worked in interest centers set up and planned by other teachers. A secondary goal was to decrease the number of interruptions during the school day due to questions and problems resulting from the…

The three-fold mission of facilitating and supporting teaching, research, and outreach activities has guided the actions of university-based child development laboratory programs since their inception. In recent years, campuses have reconsidered, reconceptualized, and restructured the ways in which these laboratory programs fit within the agendas…

Based on the view that child development occurs within a relationship involving mutuality and that development and the teaching/learning process are intertwined with the social environment, this book examines the critical relationship between child care providers and the young children they care for and teach. Along with an extended discussion of…

This book offers kindergarten teachers a collection of easy-to-implement ideas, from assessing student work to helping struggling students. The eight chapters focus on: (1) "Widely Held Expectations for Kindergartners" (developmental and academic expectations); (2) "Classroom Environment" (e.g., work and play areas, classroom schedules, bulletin…

This paper asserts that early childhood teachers need to consider the families with whom they work in order to select the most effective ways to involve them in their child's education. The paper presents strategies mentioned most often in interviews with teachers and families working in effective family involvement programs. Each strategy is…

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)

This article reports findings from a qualitative interview study that examined the provision of integrated kindergarten education for children with disabilities from the perspectives of general education teachers implementing integrated kindergarten programs. Analysis of interviews with eight informants led to the identification of two broad…

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…

Everyone who works with Australian children in early childhood services, regardless of their role or the type of service, faces ethical dilemmas in their work. These situations are complex and not easily resolved. The Australian Early Childhood Association (AECA) Code of Ethics can give guidance in grappling with complicated issues faced in early…

Proposing quality standards for Nigerian pre-primary centers, this paper argues that the first concern must be the provision of adequate care in the form of high quality health, safety, and nutritional conditions. Care is discussed in terms of illness policy, routines for good health, physical characteristics of centers, personal hygiene,…

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.…