This report analyzes emerging workforce issues as California develops a universal preschool system, focusing on service delivery mechanisms, workforce standards for staff qualifications and compensation, and professional development and higher education system capacity. The review covers current conditions, emerging questions, research findings,…

This paper discusses roles of early childhood teachers in the context of a perspective which views the changes that have occurred in the education profession as surface changes only, and which suggests that teachers should not lose connections with the roots of their profession. The value of many past beliefs and practices has been confirmed by…

The three-fold mission of facilitating and supporting teaching, research, and outreach activities has guided the actions of university-based child development laboratory programs since their inception. In recent years, campuses have reconsidered, reconceptualized, and restructured the ways in which these laboratory programs fit within the agendas…

This article reports findings from a qualitative interview study that examined the provision of integrated kindergarten education for children with disabilities from the perspectives of general education teachers implementing integrated kindergarten programs. Analysis of interviews with eight informants led to the identification of two broad…

This paper reviews the meaning of two concepts: parent involvement and professionalization of early childhood educators. The relationship between the concepts is also considered. Parent involvement is described and defined in many ways, and there is little empirical evidence on which to base decisions concerning what kind and what degree of parent…

Analyzes the uses and abuses of the Gesell School Readiness Screening Tests and similar tests. First, discusses developmental screening and readiness tests, then focuses on the Gesell tests, specifically addressing their validity and questioning their current uses. Discusses implications of using readiness tests for assigning children to…

Explores current practices in kindergarten education and describes the knowledge base related to kindergarten. Considers implications for making kindergarten a place where children can grow, learn, and thrive. Includes discussion of the kindergarten students, readiness-based interventions, scheduling, and kindergarten activities. (KB)

Synthesizes research findings on how general education, specialized education, and experiences relate to early childhood professionals' teaching practices. Finds that teachers' formal education relates to classroom quality and effective teacher behavior. Specialized education may be causally related to classroom quality and is correlated with…

Serving as a vehicle for raising the profile of and thereby gaining recognition for the important research and development work being conducted in Canada in support of children and families, the "Research Connections Canada" series compiles research and/or development papers as well as background papers, analytical literature reviews,…

Investigated perceptions of child care staff and parents using child care services. Argues that early childhood care performs educational, cultural transmission, and child welfare functions, and that current debates limit the development of services that meet family and community needs. Urges new discourses that could facilitate more responsive…

Discusses the importance of nurturing creativity in early childhood education, focusing on family influences on creativity. Summarizes research on familial impact on creativity, including the role of the family's adaptability, parental discipline style, parental rejection, and family pressure toward creativity. Suggests ways early childhood…

This issue paper focuses on the first of six national education goals described by President George Bush on January 31, 1990. The intent of this goal is that by the year 2000 all children in the United States will start school ready to learn and that appropriate federal and state policies will be in place. The paper is organized as follows: (1) a…

A survey of program characteristics and selection and retention criteria of 172 early childhood education teacher programs are reviewed. Enrollment trends and teacher supply are considered. (FG)

Noting that research demonstrates that high quality early childhood education (ECE) has long-term benefits for children, this review outlines definitions of quality early childhood education within the context of New Zealand. The focus is mainly on two specific aspects of quality: staff qualifications and indicators of quality. The review notes…

Driven in part by research findings in early childhood development, the academic, business, and policy communities now recognize that high-quality preschool programs are an important way to help children reach their full potential. Although some current research suggests that teacher preparation at the four-year college degree level is the best…