Role functions and interpersonal perceptions of parents and preschool teachers in Japan and the United States were explored. Locus of responsibility and behavioral variables were defined. Multivariate analyses of variance showed a significant main effect for culture and strong interaction effects between culture and the derived dimensions.…

This essay examining the developing educational system in the United States focuses on five interlocking subsystems: childhood education; schooling and education; postsecondary, collegiate, and university education; education in the workplace; and lifelong adult education. Social reform, educational reform, and curriculum are discussed. (EJS)

Views of 30 Finnish and 76 U.S. teachers, 15 Finnish and 7 American administrators, and 22 Finnish and 40 American parents about appropriate educational practices for children aged 3 to 5 years were studied. Finnish parents were more supportive of developmentally appropriate practices, and were in better agreement with educators. (SLD)

Most research on American and British preschool programs demonstrates that early learning experiences have an immediate positive impact on children's cognitive and social development. Because of this, there is a strong case for investment in high quality early learning on economic as well as social grounds. (MDM)

This report summarizes the essential elements of state-funded prekindergarten programs across the United States. To be included in the report, a program had to be supported primarily by state funds, have early education as a goal, focus on children younger than kindergarten entry age, and provide direct service to children rather than concentrate…

This collection of articles on compensatory preschool education is chiefly the result of a conference at the University College of Swansea, Wales, during the Easter vacation of 1969. Articles include the following: (1) "Compensatory education and the infant school"; (2) "Compensatory programmes and early childhood education in the…

Highlights survey responses of non-profit child care programs in the United States and Canada. Notes the following trends: (1) increasing demand; (2) increasing quality; (3) continuing staff shortages; (4) funding not increasing fast enough; and (5) increasing competition. Contends that center directors must deal effectively with these conflicting…

The future of Greece's well-being will depend on improving educational performance to boost productivity and improve social outcomes. In the current economic context, with the need to get best value for spending, Greece must and can address inefficiencies in its education system. The challenges are significant. For example, Greece lags behind many…

This digest compares the efforts of the United States and of other member countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to finance center- and facility-based preschool. In many OECD countries, public preschool is more widely available than in the United States. For example, in France, 100%, and in Italy,…

This report highlights the major themes and policy implications for implementing Head Start and other early childhood programs. The report is a synthesis of already issued and preliminary information from GAO reports and reviews that examined federal and state center-based programs, barriers to Head Start service delivery, and early childhood…

Discusses broad issues surrounding the development of a more learner-centered approach to early childhood education and describes several initiatives in Australia and the United States. Examines issues of content, pedagogy, relationships, and context in the education of child-centered early childhood practitioners. Maintains that new ways of…

Compares early childhood classrooms in Italy and the United States. Concludes that art educators must create environments that support children's aesthetic and artistic development, incorporate aspects from the world into the life of classrooms, and critically examine classroom learning spaces. (DAJ)

In a world shaped by global competition, preschool education programs play an increasingly vital role in child development and school readiness. There is growing awareness that early learning's impacts persist across children's life spans, affecting educational achievement, adult earning and even crime and delinquency. Preschool education is…

"Status and Trends in the Education of Racial and Ethnic Groups" examines the educational progress and challenges of students in the United States by race/ethnicity. This report shows that over time, the numbers of students of each race/ethnicity who have completed high school and continued their education in college have increased.…

Child Life Programs in hospital settings aim to involve children in activities and relationships appropriate to their needs. Child Life programming is an essential component of health care, as it promotes: (1) advocacy for children, families, and individuals; (2) the sharing of resources and knowledge; (3) cohesion in the health care team; and (4)…