Discusses trends in early childhood education rooted in much older traditions, such as the project approach and Reggio Emilia approach, as well as the history of Head Start, and other changes in early childhood programs and services. Considers the need for practitioners to understand the theoretical and ideological foundations of pedagogical…

Changes in kindergarten education in the United States from its inception to the present and reasons for the historical changes are explored. Froebel's approach to kindergarten education is described and the introduction of kindergarten programs in the United States by various sponsors such as the Women's Temperance Union, churches, and settlement…

While construction of early childhood education curricula requires the use of educational and developmental theories, significant differences between the two domains exist. Whereas educational theories are particularistic and maximalist, developmental theories are universalist and minimalist. Developmental theory views change in individuals as…

Whereas in the past innovations in the education of younger children have led to changes in the education of older children, the direction of influence now appears to have changed. The influence on the kindergarten by the primary grades seems to be changing kindergarten practice. In reconstituting the kindergarten to make it more responsive to the…

This paper delineates conceptions of early childhood programs from the 18th through the 20th centuries, and reveals how the programs changed as the concept of what constitutes knowledge changed. Discussion begins with reading instruction and hornbooks in Colonial America, and national language learning in the knitting school of Jean Frederick…

Presents four articles that examine the role of art experiences in early childhood education: "Educationally Appropriate Art Activities for Young Children," by Bernard Spodek; "Teachers and Children Together: Constructing New Learning," by Lella Gandini; "Fostering Experiences between Young Children and Clay," by Cathy Weisman Topal; and…

Defines "professional development" for early childhood teacher education, and cites the nine principles of effective professional development created by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Outlines the different stages of teacher development put forth by Fuller and Katz. Believes that interaction with persons at…

After introductory remarks on the magnitude of changes that have taken place in early childhood education within the last 30 years, discussion focuses on early childhood research related to cognitive learning, social learning, and literacy. Social learning in kindergarten is discussed in terms of research findings on the effects of positive social…

Teacher preparation, a career-long enterprise, is conducted through reflecting on practice, receiving advice from other teachers, reading, and participating in inservice education. For designers of inservice education, appropriateness of learning activities can be assessed by examining criteria such as teacher needs, trainers' desire to help…

While it has been, and currently is, the practice of early childhood educators to evaluate educational programs in terms of their impact on children's development, enhancing children's knowledge may be as important as enhancing development; it is possible, in fact, that the enhancement of knowledge could be a better goal for early childhood…

Intends to make the possible purposes of kindergarten education explicit in order to promote better conceptualization and research. History shows that the definition of appropriate kindergarten experience has changed over time. Different educational traditions lead to different conceptions of appropriate experience for kindergarten children. (RH)

In this paper the elusive, integrative and common elements that unify the large and diverse field of early childhood education are sought. Present diversity among educators of young children is viewed against the historical background of variety in the implementation of kindergartens and nursery schools in the United States. The effects of federal…

Concerns about the use of evaluation in early childhood education are clustered around some basic issues: the use of standardized tests with young children, the diversity of dimensions of early childhood education that should be evaluated, the relationship of early childhood evaluation to social policy, and the very nature of early childhood…

Alternative programs developed in early childhood education over the years, from Colonial church communities to Montessori to current developmentally appropriate practices, are reviewed. It is suggested that teachers with limited perspectives on curriculum may violate the various ways of young children's knowing. (LB)

Presents a profile of Chinese kindergarten. Problems discussed are related to: (1) provision of kindergarten education; (2) the only child; (3) teacher training; (4) the knowledge basis of kindergarten education; and (5) reform of the kindergarten curriculum. (Author/BB)