Preparing foster children for school entry by focusing on the skills necessary to succeed in kindergarten calls for early intervention. However, existing programs to enhance school readiness have not been tailored to meet the educational, emotional, and psychological needs of foster children. This is the rationale behind development of the…

The warm days of spring announce an end to the dark days of winter, more time out of doors, and escape from the confines of heavy clothing. For many directors of early childhood centers, a school year does not end with the onset of summer. However, even if it is a year-round program with no official conclusion, warmer days are bound to bring a…

The column examines five university based child development centers and/or child study clinics which work with handicapped children. (PHR)

Discusses the underutilization of computerized systems in human services practitioners' work and presents the Graphical Case Record, developed at a child development center in Israel, as a computerized interface congruent with practitioner work style, supportive of professional treatment standards, and easy to use. (Author/LRW)

Defiant behavior in two- and three-year-olds is a natural expression of a young child's growing autonomy, and, although frustrating to adults, is a natural phase of a child's socio-emotional growth. L.S. Vygotsky's socio-historical theory of the development included a discussion of "crisis" periods, one of which he felt occurred at age three. The…

The importance of quality care for infants, toddlers, and young children continues to be emphasized. The Frank Porter Graham Child Development Center provided data that support the importance of quality childcare. Their longitudinal study showed that infants who received quality care were more likely to score higher on IQ, reading, and math tests,…

The purpose of this study was to assess the level of parental satisfaction with services of a child development center and to evaluate the physician-parent dimensions of communication. A total of 90 parents to children with disability ranging in age from 6 months to 6 years participated in the study (84% response rate). Attitudes regarding…

Discusses the ways early childhood programs presently fit into community colleges, describes five related issues (i.e., the ambiguities of the early childhood field, the open-door policy, faculty responsibilities, power structures, and funding), and makes suggestions for further development of the community college/early childhood relationship.…

The authors look at the developments and events that grew out of the Learning Disability Act of 1969 (P.L. 92-20), particularly in relation to the role of Child Service Demonstration Centers (CSDCs). It is concluded that CSDCs spread the philosophies and technologies of the field of learning disabilities. (SW)

Describes a preschool in which children's fascination with print is fostered by providing time to develop interests in sociodramatic play using writers' tools and by encouraging parents to help children write at home. (CRH)

Ten characteristics of child development clinicians functioning at higher levels in therapeutic play are added to the 10 proposed in a previous article. These demonstrate a growth in sophistication and versatility and extend the clinician's effectiveness in all aspects of children's personality functioning: the physical, emotional-social, and…

Describes the implementation and operation of the Cherokee Nation Children's Village program in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Examines the four main components of the program: (1) Head Start; (2) the Child Development Center; (3) STEPP (Serving Teenagers through Education and Pregnancy Prevention); and (4) Even Start. (MDM)

Discusses the factors leading to quality improvements in military child care. Presents reasons why military child care system has been more effective than the civilian system in promoting quality. Describes the specific policies that have supported the high rate of accreditation among military child development centers. Asserts that the Military…

Provides advice on insurance coverage for child care centers. Suggests that before purchasing insurance you inquire about the agent's qualifications, company's financial stability, and corporate ratings; and obtain written answers to questions about specific coverage issues such as volunteers, legal defense costs, special events, and…

Early childhood centers today are buffeted with unprecedented financial, organizational, and societal challenges. This article profiles "exceptional directors" who have responded to these challenges through their skills in leading people, working with parents, developing programs, managing their organizations, and advocating for…