Notes that love for children, training and experience, and respect for and trust in each child are fundamental attributes for preschool teachers. Offers suggestions for additional aspects of early-childhood educators. Suggests that developmental learning theory, humor, courage, and integrity are additional qualities to be found in a well-rounded…

Presents suggestions for early childhood teachers and caregivers to make the most of professional development opportunities. Recommends setting goals for training, determining one's learning style, identifying one's stage of professional development, and selecting the appropriate type of training. Presents specific guidelines for program-based…

Discusses issues of domestic violence to help child caregivers care for children more effectively. Considers the causes of domestic violence and its impact on children and families, and offers resources for more information as well as suggestions for helping an abused person get help. Includes lists of "Do's and don'ts for breaking the silence"…

This booklet for parents explains the activities that take place in kindergarten and the characteristics of kindergarten staff. Also discussed is the manner in which the activities and staff help children develop. Activities considered center around dramatic play; children helping themselves and others; pets; cooking; snacks; exercise; reading and…

This booklet provides answers to 12 questions about the rights and responsibilities of child care providers in California concerning the issue of child abuse. The questions are (1) Who is a "Child Care Custodian?" (2) How do I decide whether or not to report? (3) How do I recognize 'abuse' and 'neglect'? (4) How and when should I tell…

This brief guide for kindergarten teachers shows how teachers and teacher aides can work as a team. Guidelines for selecting new aides and getting acquainted with an experienced aide are provided. A teacher's responsibilities to the teacher aide are listed. An aide's responsibilities, including instruction, management, housekeeping, and clerical,…

A two-year preschool and kindergarten sequence is conducted on a full-day schedule with five-year-olds attending school three days a week and four-year-olds attending the alternate days, both groups with the same teachers. The program was recognized for excellence in curriculum development. (MLF)

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…

Offers practical ideas to make meetings more effective. Stresses the importance of planning and describes the following three types of meetings: information, brainstorming, and decision making. Notes components of successful meetings: an agenda, facilitator, timekeeper, recorder, and effective communication and conflict management skills. Suggests…

Providing continuous, personalized, high-quality staff development programs fosters the delivery of effective, comprehensive services to Head Start children and families. This article suggests directors follow the following staff development principles: draft a philosophy; define staff development; assess staff development needs; focus on the…

Posits that an emergent curriculum is a continuous revision process. Describes relevant experiences in kindergarten classrooms, noting how students' interests guide activities but teachers keep curricular goals in mind; unit themes are chosen according to children's expressed interests; and the flexibility necessary for this approach makes…

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,…

Details a five-step process to hiring the right teacher for an early childhood setting: (1) reviewing applications carefully; (2) conducting a behavior-based interview; (3) viewing candidates in action; (4) obtaining references; and (5) providing an educated offer. Asserts that directors have a responsibility to the center's reputation, staff,…