Noting that the American public's concern for children is shaped by complicated and sometimes conflicting beliefs about family life, this paper examines the policy debates surrounding child care, early childhood development, family leave, and children's health insurance, and analyzes how well advocates have adapted to the new realities. Part 1 of…

Creative drama, as a language art, has been a part of the elementary school curriculum for a number of years. Community organizations also have long been concerned with offering children rewarding experiences in creative dramatics, and many have pioneered in the establishment of children's theaters. Because of the relatively small percentage of…

Describes a pilot project for pupil tutoring in which six "persistent truants" (aged 15 plus) were placed in a primary school to tutor 12 children ages five through eight who had been identified as "slow learners" by their teacher. (Author/CT)

Describes gender differences that are supported by research and how society, parents', and teachers' influences shape gender identity during early development. Discusses problems boys in particular may face later in life if they are not taught how to handle their emotions during childhood. Offers suggestions for teachers and parents to guide boys…

Describes three types of functional assessment of young children with special needs: play-based, family interviews, and the evaluation of multiple intelligences. Claims that all three types are useful for planning developmentally appropriate interventions and are positive because the emphasis is on the children's and their families' strengths…

Uses analogy of patchwork quilt square to describe the reading instruction methods comprising one school's first-grade reading program. Parts include guided reading and centers, guided writing, reading workshops, reading strategies, comprehension through retelling and responding, word study, good literature, a print-rich environment, and strong…

Argues that music activities in early childhood education foster a variety of developmental skills. Analyzes Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences, contending that music intelligence is a separate intelligence. Provides ways to identify and promote musical intelligence. Suggests methods for encouraging musical development. Using songs…

The University of British Columbia (Canada) dental school has implemented a clinical experience program in which children in grades 2-4 are bused to the university for dental treatment. The program has helped maintain undergraduate pediatric dental experiences, benefited the children's dental health, and cost parents less than traditional dental…

Increase in number of children infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and consequential developmental disabilities of these children are discussed. Families caring for HIV-infected children express four recurrent themes: psychological stress, grief and mourning, guilt and self-blame, and isolation and fear of discrimination. Flexible…

Describes public day care in Scandinavian countries. Argues that a "second welfare state" has emerged to carry out some family functions. Discusses repercussions for children and families, as well as problems of equity, quality, and bureaucratization in the system. Suggests that the United States can benefit from Scandinavian experience.…

Contains questions raised about the National Association for the Education of Young Children's position paper on linguistic and cultural diversity, and answers prepared by the association's staff liaison to the Multicultural/Bilingual Panel. (ET)

Describes characteristics of homeless families and their living conditions. Presents characteristics specific to homeless children, and discusses strategies for working with homeless children and supporting their families in early childhood care and education settings. (HTH)

Outlines attachment theory, focusing on ideas regarding children's attachment to persons other than primary caregivers. Utilizes attachment theory in drawing implications for classroom operation, day care center organization, and governmental policies. The attachment paradigm is seen as providing a theoretical basis for improving day care…

Discusses methods teachers of young children can use to plan and create interactive, hands-on bulletin boards that make use of moveable pieces. (BB)

The Partnerships Project involves a university, a state department of education, and a university-affiliated program in Illinois working together to implement new personnel standards for early intervention with young children having special needs. Emphasis is on technical assistance functions utilizing extensive peer review. (Author/DB)