The most researched and effective practice for instructing children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is applied behavior analysis (ABA; Baer, Wolf, & Risley, 1968; Reichow, 2012; Smith & Eikeseth, 2011; Virués-Ortega, 2010). ABA is a scientific approach to systematic instruction, data collection, and data analysis based on observable…

Positive relationships between practitioners and parents are essential for young children's wellbeing, but achieving this can be difficult if there is not enough understanding about how relationships work when one person (the practitioner or teacher) has to play the professional role. Strong communication skills are fundamental to this…

Children are capable of handling the subject of death but the preschooler has more difficulty than others, and requires more time to resolve a loss. A teacher can help by responding in a supportive way. The teacher's difficulty is that a death almost always comes as a surprise which means that the teacher must work through the crisis for herself…

Describes common vision problems in young children such as myopia, strabismus, and amblyopia. Presents suggestions for helping children with vision problems in the early childhood classroom and in outdoor activities. Lists related resources and children's books. (KB)

Successful early childhood program transitions involve the coordination and continuation of developmental and comprehensive services from birth through age eight. This guide is designed to facilitate the successful transition of children and their families into and out of Early Head Start and Head Start programs and assists in planning for daily…

Notes that portfolio assessment is a promising approach to measure young children's growth, development, and achievement. Details characteristics of assessment portfolios, methods of gathering information, and tips for portfolio development. Includes examples from preschool children's portfolios. (LBT)

Notes that attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly diagnosed in the first few years of education. Details characteristics of ADHD and education interventions, including: (1) giving frequent, immediate, and specific feedback; (2) breaking tasks into smaller units; and (3) using preferred activities to reinforce appropriate…

Presents suggestions for practical applications of character education in the early childhood setting. Notes ten childhood characteristics essential for early moral development, including self-control, moral reasoning, honesty, and social skills. Explores five core strategies that may be applied to the classroom: induction, nurturing and support,…

Notes that progressive theory of character development, based on moral values as variable and dependent on social context, dominates field of early childhood education. Suggests that this constructivist approach may require more of children than they can provide. States that both progressive and traditional theories have their place; presents…

Discusses how early childhood directors can effectively communicate their values and expectations to teachers and parents. Describes strategies for centering discussion with teachers on the value of childhood, including reclaiming the concept of indicators and setting expectations for joy in learning. Strategies for communicating with parents…

Discusses the privacy dilemma encountered by early childhood practitioners when they find out that a child in their program or one of the child's family members has HIV/AIDS. Provides general and specific guidelines regarding HIV/AIDS, describes universal precautions in child care settings, and delineates myths and facts about HIV/AIDS. (KB)

Presents tips for early childhood teachers on the use of photographs in the classroom. Includes suggestions for using the camera effectively, using photos of the children, and creating classroom activities with photos. Asserts that the photographs often enhance the meaning of a classroom activity for children. (KB)

Recommends universal precautions policies and procedures to minimize for children and adults in early childhood settings the risk of infection from exposure to blood-borne pathogens such as hepatitis B or HIV. Outlines symptoms of hepatitis B and HIV/AIDS. Discusses legal and ethical implications related to inclusion. Lists resources for teachers…

The third volume in the Transition Magician series, this book is designed to help early childhood professionals in supporting the parents of young children. The book provides activities for parents and young children for home and away from home to guide children through difficult transition times and to make the most of valuable opportunities for…

Presents ideas from three early childhood professionals regarding the practitioner's role when a parent denies their child's special needs. Includes suggestions for validating parents' feelings, using a screening tool to identify their child's level of development, referring parents to local agencies, maintaining extensive anecdotal records for…