Explores the impact of sensitive caregiver relationships on a child's emotional, social, and cognitive development. Includes suggestions for emphasizing such relationships in early childhood programs, including planning routines and activities that focus on relationships. (HTH)

This article considers the idea of culturally appropriate practice versus developmentally appropriate practice and discusses ways that early childhood educators can create a curriculum that considers the values and beliefs of an increasingly diverse student population. It is recommended that teachers rely on students' families for information on…

Articles present information on using the student project approach and instructional themes in early childhood settings. Articles describe particular projects, teachers and students' experiences with project learning, the Reggio Emilia approach, phases of project work, using ordinary moments during the day to support children's construction of…

Exploring and working with environmental issues can be exciting and enriching for Head Start staff. The goal of the technical guide is to broaden Head Start staff members' understanding of the natural environment so they can better incorporate environmental enrichment and environmental protection into their programs. The guide is organized into…

This handbook for kindergarten teachers attempts to provide a foundation on which teachers can build dynamic kindergartens at the community level. The physical, social, and cultural characteristics of 5-year-olds are described. A philosophy for kindergarten is stated, and goals of kindergarten education are listed. Goals involve physical, social,…

This publication presents the principles and recommendations underlying the design of curricula for Kentucky's kindergarten children. Contents focus on (1) characteristics of the kindergarten child; (2) assessment of the kindergarten child; (3) recording, reporting, and evaluating; (4) the exceptional kindergarten child, with particular attention…

Designed for Head Start grantees, this book provides training guidelines for improving Head Start staff competency. Chapter I offers a rationale for staff training activities, while chapter II characterizes the Head Start trainee. Chapter III addresses assessment of training needs on program and staff levels. The development of a training plan is…

This resource book for child care practitioners has been written for administrators, nursery school teachers and preschool or Head Start teachers who are interested in practical suggestions (1) for setting up classrooms, (2) for developing a curriculum for infants, toddlers and preschool children, (3) for meeting the social-emotional needs of…

Delineates ten dimensions of the occupational climate of early childhood programs that administrators and staff should consider when trying to create a positive work climate in which teachers and employees can use their talents and develop their professional capabilities. (BB)

Noting that peace concerns justice and respect for everyone's basic rights, this booklet examines how children, teachers, and parents understand peace, and how they can learn together to respect each other and create peaceful environments for young children. Following introductory remarks, it describes the visions of children, parents, and…

Noting the challenges presented for kindergarten teachers by current demands for accountability based on standardized measures that ignore diversity, this book presents ideas for implementing a developmentally-appropriate kindergarten curriculum within the constraints of American public schools. Following introductory remarks, the book is…

Examines experiences of undergraduate students and newly hired beginning preschool teachers as they learn about teaching and working with young children through an early childhood education course. Suggests ways in which experienced or supervising teachers and directors can help new teachers. (BB)

Advocates cooperative learning, rather than competitive learning, in the classroom. Offers an example of cooperative learning among nursery school children in Tenants Harbor, Maine. Discusses ways for teachers to facilitate cooperative learning in program and classroom design. (BB)

This guide is intended to help all caregiving adults--parents, grandparents, guardians, care providers, friends, preschool teachers, and other educators--to make the best decisions for and about young children in the early childhood years before the start of formal schooling. The guide aims to help caregivers learn how to: enhance their…

The preschool teacher is in the unique position of being able to identify children who have developed language and speech problems during their early years. This paper is a detailed resource for preschool teachers on hearing and speech problems. Its purpose is two-fold: to emphasize the important role the preschool teacher plays in the lives of…