This article reports findings from a recent "Exchange" Insta-Poll on Early Childhood Wages in North America. This survey was conducted on the "Exchange" web site, www.ChildCareExchange.com, from April 14-30, 2004. Over 900 early childhood professionals from 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 10 Canadian provinces provided…

Childhood today is very different from what it was for previous generations, and a sizable part of the difference has something to do with the changing amount of outdoor play time. Early childhood educators are in a powerful and unique position to make sure that children's exposure to the outdoors and its ever-changing wonders is woven into the…

Educators have been optimistic that technology would enhance teaching and learning by effective use of educational technology in classroom atmosphere. But, little attention has focused on the attitudes of both preschool pre-service and their cooperating teachers towards using educational technology in the classroom. This study employed an…

The mission statement for the Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) states that one of its goals is "to influence the professional growth of educators and others who are committed to the needs of children." Professional growth is vital for educators at all levels. In this article, the authors present a teacher educator and a…

The authors present a checklist designed to help preschool and kindergarten administrators and teachers build confidence in their ability to be inclusive and to increase their awareness of the needs of children with disabilities. Teachers can use the checklist to prepare for the inclusion of a child with a disability. "Identifying potential…

This article discusses the importance of helping preservice teachers develop a sense of self-awareness. This involves, in part, helping preservice teachers develop an ability to examine and identify the personal characteristics, beliefs and attitudes that make them who they are and influence the way they think about teaching and learning. The…

This article focuses on student and teacher relationship in helping children with behavioral problems particularly those children with "a lot of angry outbursts." The author describes the case of Jeremiah, being one of the experts of the system called "peer problem solving," a program designed to help children to cope up with anger outburst. A…

As part of a system of early childhood career advancement in Florida, this document describes the early childhood education profession and presents--in both a written format and a CD-ROM--steps and guidelines for preparing a voluntary professional portfolio. The portfolio is highlighted as an opportunity to document one's educational and…

Recruiting and retaining good teachers ranks as one of the most significant roadblocks to solving the preschool quality crises facing the country. Evidence points to the low wages and benefits offered to preschool teachers as the single most important factor in hiring and keeping good teachers. This policy brief examines what is known about the…

Research shows that preschool produces the strongest effects when teachers are well qualified. Noting that most Head Start preschool teachers do not hold even the minimum teaching degrees required to teach kindergarten, this policy brief looks at the costs of putting highly qualified teachers in Head Start classrooms to improve the effectiveness…

This paper reports an attempt by teachers and psychologists to cooperatively develop a training program for nursery teachers which presents a general problem-solving strategy simple and flexible enough for the trainee to adapt to social interactions with children, other teachers, parents, and the community. (SJL)

Observes that increasing numbers of overseas-trained professionals are seeking recognition of their qualifications in Australia. Asserts that only scant consideration has been given to recognizing and supporting skilled migrant early childhood professionals. Explores one type of program that attempts such recognition and makes key recommendations…

Describes the procedures and effort a group of early childhood students and their professors used to obtain funding to attend the National Association for the Education of Young Children annual conference. Discusses the reasons for attending the conference, problems encountered, fund-raising efforts, and the benefits of conference attendance from…

Illustrates how many teacher-child interactions within the early childhood classroom involve improvisation within an ongoing collaboration to create a new, emergent scene. Describes characteristics of improvisation, including being spontaneous, using everything, giving and receiving offers, and creating collectively. Asserts that viewing classroom…

Describes a study of the use of a critical events questionnaire and "educational biography" as means of training preschool teachers to question their role as teachers; to question their relationship with children; and to liberate their consciousness. Discusses the quantitative and qualitative results of the self-evaluation processes. (AC)