A tool for early childhood professionals, this book describes developmentally appropriate practices for adults providing care and education services to young children. Part 1 of the guide presents the position statement of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) on developmentally appropriate practice in early…

Discusses and demystifies curriculum needs of infants and toddlers for optimum emotional, social, physical and mental well-being and growth. (NH)

This policy brief begins with a broad overview of what the science of early childhood development tells us about the first three years of life. It then outlines the actions that need to be taken during the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to increase the likelihood that policy decisions are guided by state…

Discussion of the case method of instruction (CMI) in early intervention personnel preparation offers information on selecting quality cases, preparing for case discussion, facilitating case discussion, and evaluating learner outcomes. Strategies described were field-tested and validated with 128 early intervention instructors who participated in…

Discusses techniques for managing toddler circles. Notes that flexible transitions reduce frustration, suggests the importance of flexible and reasonable expectations, and considers the value of instruction grounded in child experience. Recommends materials that can be safely manipulated by toddlers and emphasizes that activity transitions must be…

Discusses ways in which child care center directors can help meet developmental needs of parents who are choosing a child care arrangement, especially for an infant or toddler. (BB)

This report of the Joint Committee of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the Council on Education of the Deaf presents definitions and service requirements for deaf and hard of hearing children under the age of three and their families, as mandated by the amended Individuals with Disabilities Education Act--Part H. (DB)

Examines singing as a tool for managing children's behaviors. Suggests that singing can be a powerful tool to soothe a baby, promote learning daily routines and cooperativeness, ease separation troubles, build trust and self-esteem, awake a love for poetry and imagery, stretch memorizing power, help develop humor, and build motor skills. Proposes…

Presents three viewpoints on the question of whether high-quality, publicly funded infant/toddler child care should be provided to all families who want it. (BB)

Suggests advantages and design considerations for outdoor settings for babies. Climate, wildlife, equipment, and the needs and natures of both babies and caregivers are discussed. Provides ideas for landscape design and structures. (SH)

This article presents a vision for early childhood personnel preparation that could be achieved by grassroots public support for early intervention through "learning communities". It discusses three areas where changes are critical: collaboration among multiple partners at multiple levels, attending to diversity issues, and promoting family…

In this article, the mother of a son with autism shares her struggle to get a diagnosis, choose the right treatment, and face an unknown future for her son Luke, now age 5. Her worries about discrimination, neighborhood acceptance, and the effects of Luke's autism on his siblings are discussed. (CR)

This commentary identifies contributing influences and current issues that may be common across countries and defines potential elements of a universal manifesto on early intervention, including: recognition of individual differences, personalized interventions, involvement of families, support of families, comprehensive assessment, and provision…

This paper discusses resources needed by infants and toddlers who are disabled and by their families, with respect to policy implementation of Part H of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The paper emerged from a series of focus group discussions with health professionals in five states. Out of the open-ended discussions emerged…

Instances of toddlers practicing the art of negotiation while playing with peers in a family day care setting are recounted as part of a child caregiver's search for the sources of her skill in influencing children's verbal behavior. The search led to reflection on experiences in college classes on child development, at work teaching, and at home…