Meyers & Kroeger situate two young writers in current ideologies of childhood and literacy and argue for creating dialogic classroom spaces in which children can be recognized by themselves, other children, and teachers as literate. Duckles & Larson build on the authors' attention to the potential constraints of dominant discourses and highlight…

Impairments in social communication are the core diagnostic features of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). In the past two decades findings from important clinical research studies have translated into improvements in understanding and practice, for example leading to a reduction in the age at which autism is commonly first recognised and diagnosed…

Working and training as a Teaching Artist has challenged the author as a teacher and an artist, but most importantly, it has helped her become a better parent. She is reminded to broaden her perspectives, to work in the moment, to hold off on conveying information when there is a way for children to discover it on their own. These skills naturally…

In this article, the author shares some examples of her advice and tips on parenting. The author is a mother of four and a national expert on parenting and early childhood education. She willingly, often without solicitation, distributes "expert" advice to parents across the country. Currently she is on a quest to retrace her early childhood…

Play is a powerful avenue for a young child's learning. Child-development and brain-research experts agree that children are active meaning-makers from birth. Babies arrive in this world with the capacity to respond, imitate, initiate, explore, and eventually engage in symbolic processes. Play is young children's natural learning mechanism. Play…

Being knowledgeable about child custody issues is one way teachers of young children can be prepared to meet their noninstructional responsibilities related to divorce. Whereas, in the past, courts have awarded custody to one parent, with increasing frequency divorcing parents are now given joint custody. California law makes joint custody the…

Explores the complexities of making teachers' work more visible to mothers of kindergartners, through focusing on one day's events as seen by their teacher and a university professor. Considers teachers' fear that parents will witness their mistakes and teachers' wish to maintain dominance over parents in the educational hierarchy. (KB)

Describes how parent involvement and parents themselves were socially constructed within Head Start programs located in different communities. Suggests how these social practices made particular forms of involvement possible and even necessary. Argues that discourses constitute rather than merely represent. Suggests how alternative ways of…

When parents decide to separate, a young child is often affected most by a change in their regular routine, which young children often find comfort in. When changes take place at home, it makes changes at school more difficult for young children to deal with because the schedules that they traditionally find comfort in are being altered. Dr.…

Discusses the special quality of the relationships teachers, caregivers, and parents have with young children, focusing on aspects of the relationship which help the adult develop as much as they help the child grow. (CM)

Reviews variables, measures, and studies associated with the child care quality perspectives of researchers and professionals, parents using care, child care staff, and children in care. Argues that given the preponderance of studies conducted from the professional/researcher perspective, more effort should be directed to studying child care…

Examines the special characteristics of adolescent parents and reviews a series of field-tested, hands-on parent education workshops for them. Suggests that recognizing the adolescent needs of very young parents and building a parent education program based on concrete, playful experiences with plentiful opportunities to interact with peers appear…

Although there are many ways in which the roles of parents and teachers overlap during the very early years, there are important distinctions in their roles that often become a source of stress, especially to teachers. Seven distinctions in these roles are described: (1) scope of functions; (2) intensity of feelings; (3) intensity of attachment;…

Asserting that parents are young children's most precious resource, this paper offers research-based advice for raising children with self-esteem and the ability to become independent, productive members of society. The paper's sections are: (1) "Parents Build Self Esteem"; (2) "Flexibility and Adaptability Help Parents Survive"; (3) "Parents Are…

Discusses strategies researchers can use to help young children understand the research process and be better able to give informed consent. Argues that proxy consent from parents (historically used as a substitute for children's informed consent) does not fully meet the requirements of informed consent. (Author/GR)