Considers the ways in which young children, their families, and teachers and staff benefit from older adults' participation in early childhood and day care programs. Discusses the recruitment, screening, training, orientation, and supervision of older adults in early childhood programs. (BB)

Current reform efforts in early childhood teacher education have recommended movement toward a child-centered learning environment that incorporates nongraded classrooms, cooperative learning, and parent and teacher control of schools. However, several barriers exist in achieving an effective, coordinated delivery system of early childhood…

Discusses techniques that child care workers can utilize to foster the development of coping skills in young children. Emphasizes the difference between psychological immunity to stress based on problem-solving abilities and pseudo-immunity created by overprotectiveness. Holds that challenges build children's competence and self-esteem.…

A survey of research findings on environmental and person variables provides clues as to what is required in a high quality infant-toddler program. One of the most important components of such a program is a loving, responsive caregiver. Research has shown that there are specific adult qualities that nurture the roots of intellectual competence,…

Describes a personal evolution into early childhood advocacy. The case study reaffirms that becoming an early childhood advocate requires individuals to care and to translate that care into actions which will help others to care. (RJC)

Asserts that the key to assisting those trying to negotiate the "survival" dimensions of their first years as teachers or center directors is immediate responsiveness to concerns and needs. Recommends on-site mentors to support first-year teachers/administrators in reflective practice and to serve as sounding board, colleague, coach, and…

Examines how professional early childhood caregivers care for themselves. Notes two basic human challenges: the need to make good contact with peers, parents, teachers, and others; and the need to achieve a good sense of self. Discusses four deterrents to meeting these challenges, and how to overcome them to achieve a healthy sense of balance and…

This book presents five papers that address a variety of issues confronting those who work directly with young children and their teachers. The first three articles present ways of thinking about what constitutes professionalism in working with children and parents. Specifically, "Contemporary Perspectives on the Roles of Mothers and…

This report presents information collected at a pre-conference roundtable on various aspects of mentoring programs which are seen as a potential solution to the staffing crisis in early childhood education. Part 1 defines the terms "mentoring" and "mentoring programs." It describes the nature of the relationship between mentors…

Describes a program developed to help parents become effective playmates. Suggests that interactive play between infants and adults has numerous benefits, although these benefits will not occur automatically; they require parents to develop the appropriate skills. Proposes methods to facilitate play and make an important contribution to the…

Outlined are components believed to be critical to fostering the development of a comprehensive child care system in Massachusetts: delivery models, curriculum development, staffing, professional development, cost, affordability, and policy. Child care delivery models are discussed in terms of present delivery models, problems in the delivery…

This paper addresses the issue of how children should be reared from birth to become members of a faith community. The paper begins by seeking answers in psychological theories and research studies of Piaget, Bandura and Sears, Mahler, and Erikson. It is asserted that interactions with primary caregivers are the essential ingredients by means of…

This paper presents a brief overview of research relevant to early childhood education, reviews some recent intervention programs for preschool and kindergarten children, and investigates the need for policymakers to establish programs based on research findings. Particular attention is given to an intervention research study conducted with…

This autobiographical paper provides an account of the professional growth of a woman who worked as a Head Caregiver in a family center for children aged 6 months to 2 1/2 years. The paper contains observations and thoughts about children, staff interaction, parent-staff interaction, and staff development. An appendix provides samples of materials…

Several reports on the link between the economy and the quality of child care indicate that: (1) early care and education benefits two generations of workers; (2) quality is essential to, but is rarely found in, early care and education programs; and (3) the key to quality is the professional development of practitioners. A vision of dynamic…