This research review examines international studies on early childhood education and care, with particular reference to outcomes or benefits related to the child's age, the length of time in early childhood education and care, program type, and scope and type of parental involvement. Research literature from North America, Scandinavia, Britain,…

Reports findings from 2 studies investigating the social practice of book reading in the homes of 10 mainstream New Zealand families. Finds that with unfamiliar storybooks both adults and children aged 3 and 4 initiated insertions most often focused on the meaning of the immediate text rather than on print or illustrations. (KEH)

Examines effects of an improved staff ratio in New Zealand kindergartens on interactions between children and teachers. The introduction of a third teacher was associated with a statistically significant reduction in children's negative behaviors directed to peers. (Author/BB)

Most studies on the history of educational ideas have focused on what influential educational theorists and policy-makers have said and written at particular times, constructing a "view from the top." The project from which this article is derived focused on the ways theoretical debates have been "lived" by teachers in New…

This is the report of a working group formed by the Government of New Zealand to assist in establishing a more equitable system of early childhood care and education (ECCE) than presently exists. The working group was asked to investigate all state and independent arrangements for the care and education of infants and children up to the age of 6…

This conference proceedings compile papers presented at the New Zealand Council for Educational Research (NZCER) Conference on Early Childhood Education (ECE) for a Democratic Society. Following welcoming remarks, the academic papers included are: (1) "Why Quality Matters in Early Childhood Education: The Research Evidence" (Cathy…

Describes establishment of language renewal program, Te Kohanga Reo, for Maori preschool children. The plan reinforces a sense of community through local collaboration and promotion of Maori cultural values. Examines the influence of Maori social and cultural values in the program's organization, content, and style. Contains 36 references.…

Describes the early childhood education system in New Zealand, and "Te Whaariki," the comprehensive National Early Childhood Education Curriculum Guidelines. Includes a discussion of the curricular aims, theoretical underpinnings, and foundational principles and goals; also discusses meeting the needs of children with special needs, the…

A comparative study of the employment experiences of staff at nonprofit and privately owned childcare centers was conducted in the Christchurch, New Zealand, area. A total of 23 staff members at 3 nonprofit centers and 9 staff members at 2 privately owned centers responded to a survey concerning their qualifications, work history, current working…

The Early Childhood Development Unit, a government agency located in Aotearoa, New Zealand, promotes and encourages the development and provision of quality, accessible, and culturally appropriate early childhood services. The Unit operates in six activity or output areas. First, to increase access to early childhood education, in 1991-92 the unit…

Ten New Zealand kindergartens, play centers, and child care centers were studied to assess the consequences of government-mandated charter development. Issues related to the charter document, consultation, effects on centers and participants, government bureaucracy, and the impact of becoming chartered were examined. It was found that there was…

This paper elaborates on a series of quotations to illustrate major influences in children's language development. The first quotation, from Lilian G. Katz (1988), suggests that what children like is not necessarily developmentally appropriate for them. This idea can be applied to the development of language competence. In the second quotation,…

In this study an observation schedule was developed and used to compare activities and behavior of 77 New Zealand children with disabilities who had been mainstreamed into special groups within preschools and play centers and 77 non-disabled peers. The development of the schedule is described, results are given, and advice is offered to…

Three studies of children at two developmental levels were made to assess subjects' understanding of the verbal terms "easy" (to do) and "hard" (to do). Such understanding was studied in the context of statements about personal competence at depicted activities. Behavioral criteria of levels of understanding were employed;…

This annual report outlines the mission and goals of New Zealand's Early Childhood Development Unit (ECDU), established in 1989 to promote the development and provision of high quality, accessible, and culturally appropriate educational and developmental facilities and services for families and young children. The report contains a directory of…