Discourse analysis of interaction in a course on language and literacy development elucidates and exemplifies how preschool teachers constructed new knowledge that can be assumed to contribute to the improved literacy instruction observed in their classrooms. An analytic framework rooted in sociocultural theory and interactional sociolinguistic…

A comparison of prekindergarten teachers' and K-12 teachers' attitudes about problems with teaching in their fields revealed four areas of differences. Prekindergarten teachers perceived problems in supervision of subordinate staff, parent compliance with program policies and procedures, relationships with supervisors, and management of routines.…

The new call for a universal preschool system is prompting an important policy debate across California. How preschooling is expanded and improved with limited public resources depends on several key issues. The hopeful ideals of "preschool for all"--with children beginning school ready to learn--spark enthusiasm and broaden public will.…

Traces the origins of Friedrich Froebel's views on children, curriculum, pedagogics, and didactics; the underpinnings of his beliefs concerning the nature of knowledge; and the kinds of knowledge and dispositions he believed were appropriate for children to acquire. (MDM)

Discusses characteristics of professionalism and the professional. Considers early childhood education professionals' skills, attributes, and attitudes; their obligation to develop and articulate their knowledge base; and their obligation to advocate on behalf of children and their families. (BG)

Summarizes research on the field dependence-independence (FDI) dimension of cognitive styles of teachers. Argues for the integration of FDI knowledge into teacher preparation programs and more attention to teachers' and students' cognitve styles. (DE)

Recent research on fathers' increasing participation in the care and development of their children is reviewed, and an overview of the father's role in the family is provided. Possible reasons for the increase in fathers' participation are suggested, foremost among them the increasing number of mothers in the workforce and the resulting need for…

Elaborates classroom work skills and the play curriculum. Reviews play's relationship to learning and to the role of the adult. The implications of the American work ethic for play curricula and play training for teachers are discussed. (AS)

Reviews research published in North America concerning how years of education, amount of specialized education, and years of experience relate to early childhood teaching practices. Finds that amount of formal schooling correlated with overall classroom quality and, less often, with effective teacher behavior. Specialized education may be causally…

Reviews findings of studies investigating the perceptions of child care coordinators in Victoria (Australia) about leadership attributes and skills related to effective leadership of early childhood centers. Finds a general and common understanding of leadership characteristics, roles, and responsibilities, with few differences in perception…

This paper reviews the history of the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, created in 1972 to meet the growing need for skilled child care workers to provide quality programs for young children in the United States. A pilot program was launched in 1974, leading to the granting of CDA credentials in 1975. Since 1976 over 60,000 CDA…

Research conducted on Child Development Associate (CDA) training in HSS Region III during the past 2 years has attempted to analyze this form of adult education by combining some aspects of life-span research with aspects of more traditional adult education research. This report provides a brief update on two types of research: research on the…

Defines and discusses professionalism, and discusses the certification, credentialing, and preparation of early childhood teachers in light of recent research on these topics and the educational reform movement. Argues that the integration of new knowledge emerging from studies of educational practice and child development can help raise levels of…

Kindergarten teachers do not view social studies as an important part of the preschool curriculum. This was the finding of a survey of kindergarten teachers in two midwestern states. The questionnaires used in the survey were designed to determine the emphasis teachers placed on specific social studies topics, skills, and values. Teachers…

Noting that case stories are useful for early childhood teacher preparation and staff development because they present situations likely to be encountered by practitioners, this report provides a sample of the case stories developed through the Case Method of Instruction Outreach Project and available on a Web site for use by practitioners. Each…