This article begins with an introduction to the concept of urban education. Next, the author addresses the future challenge of long-term and developmental perspective in this field, as contrasted with perspectives held by prekindergarten and preschool professionals in early childhood education. Her hope is that this challenge will be addressed in…

That all young children should have the best possible start in life is a statement that tends to be met with universal agreement. This article, however, argues there are very many different kinds of ideologies that shape the kinds of "best starts" early years teachers should strive for at a time when childhood poverty is rising and when…

Members of the World Forum community were invited to respond to the question: "What is the most urgent challenge facing young children in your country?" Here are some of their responses. Jamils Richard Achunji Anguaseh mentions that in Cameroon, young children face lots of insecurity, both from health hazards and poor parenting practices. There…

The field of developmental psychology offers new insights into the link between the quality and nature of early relationships with caregivers to the healthy social, emotional, and cognitive development of young children. Three dimensions of child care seem to make the most difference: the interactions between young children and their caregivers,…

Maintains that Republican-proposed tax cuts would disproportionately reward the wealthiest American taxpayers. Suggests that investing in early childhood education programs would yield a higher return than the proposed tax cuts, and identifies cognitive and social benefits of early childhood programs, especially for children in poor families.…

The recent rise in terrorism around the world has caused families, educators, and indeed everyone to consider again how to help young children grow up tolerant, accepting, and, above all, non-violent. Policies that support a tolerant, inclusive curriculum are essential if children are to survive in the years ahead. Curriculum policies must be…

Comments on an article by Marisa G. Macy, Diane D. Bricker, and Jane K. Squires. This commentary presents a distinction between curriculum-based assessment (CBA) and curriculum-based measurement (CBM). CBA has been linked to a mastery measurement model whereas; CBM has been linked to a general outcome measurement model. The primary difference…

Introduces this special issue on mental health and Head Start. Presents a rationale for exploring mental health issues in Head Start children. Notes that the Head Start program presents a unique opportunity to expand the knowledge base regarding the prevalence of mental health problems and the factors contributing to emotional functioning among…

It is argued that intergenerational poverty has devastating effects on families and children; and intensive targeted interventions in the first five years of life are effective in preventing intellectual dysfunction resulting from poverty. Issues related to developing and implementing national efforts to prevent environmentally induced handicaps…

Describes the experiences of a group of Head Start professionals as they spread the word about Head Start in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Provides a day-by-day itinerary for the nine-day trip and descriptions of the visits to various schools and learning centers. (MOK)

Notes economic trends contributing to growing income inequality among families, and that young children are hurt most by income inequality. (HTH)

Examines the prevalence, developmental course, and predictive power of child mental health problems for young children in general and low-income, diverse populations in particular. Notes discrepancies between Head Start agency-level data, national estimates, and intensive studies of similar populations. Describes new collaborative federal…

Identifies myths about the poor, such as attributing poverty to the breakdown of family, and responds to them with arguments from Richard Weissbourd's book "The Vulnerable Child: What Really Hurts America's Children and What We Can Do About It." Argues for using professional material like Weissbourd's book to better articulate and…

Examines the impact of European demographic changes on discontinuities in young children's lives. Maintains that early childhood educators should react to changes on the contextual and familial level. Advocates teaching children coping strategies for transitions in individual and family development and in the educational system. (Author/KB)

Describes past and present federal programs to prevent hunger, poor nutrition, and poor health. Presents evidence suggesting a link between nutrition and cognitive functioning, later ability to earn a living, and mortality. Maintains that nutrition is a vital component of any welfare reform and economic development strategy. Presents evidence of…