Studied patterns of usage and factors behind parental choices of early childhood care and educational services for four- and five-year olds. Found that, regardless of type of service, most parents believed that young children experienced positive learning and developmental outcomes from participation and that, despite problems with each service…

A study examined the ethical dilemmas faced by Australian early childhood professionals. Data were obtained from responses to a questionnaire mailed to 25 preschool centers and 25 child care centers in Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and the Northern Territory. Of 300 questionnaires mailed, a total of 99…

Microanalysis of data from videotaped responses of 96 preschoolers presented with an opportunity to help a peer in a familiar preschool setting provided a picture of the behavioral sequence of young children's helping responses and the contextual factors which contributed to the prediction of helping behavior. (BB)

Discusses growing recognition of and pressure to improve the quality of early childhood services, and the resulting increased professionalism of practitioners. Considers broadening early childhood professionals' roles to include political action, conference presentations, and professional organization contributions. Concludes that the early goal…