Kindergarten teachers do not view social studies as an important part of the preschool curriculum. This was the finding of a survey of kindergarten teachers in two midwestern states. The questionnaires used in the survey were designed to determine the emphasis teachers placed on specific social studies topics, skills, and values. Teachers…

This report is a description and summarization of the Child Development Associate (CDA) competency-based training approaches designed and implemented by 13 federally funded pilot training projects. Chapter I provides a historical narrative of the program design and implementations in the first seven years of the CDA program. Chapter II describes…

The purpose of the project was to develop video tapes to be used as minilessons in the instruction of child day care center personnel. The tapes are of experienced and qualified teachers working with small children in 22 licensed day care centers in the Louisville area. Five curriculum units form the framework for organization of the taped…

A significant research base supports the positive benefits of quality early care and education (ECE) for later developmental and academic outcomes. Noting that many ECE settings are of mediocre quality and that quality of care is related to teacher/caregiver qualifications, this working paper examines states initiatives to improve the…

This article concludes that liaison groups were found to be a useful way of bringing together the adults involved in the care and education of preschool children. (SSH)

In an era of resource scarcity and diminished expectations, schools of education must make critical decisions about their degree programs in early childhood education. Reasons for de-emphasizing early childhood education should be balanced against its challenges and rewards. (FG)

Describes the historical importance of and current trends in early childhood education in Korea. Presents statistical information on the number of kindergartens, kindergarten teachers, and kindergarten students from 1970 to 1996, and describes kindergarten teacher training and the kindergarten curriculum. Notes the variety of early childhood…

Discusses factors in the successful integration of computers into the early childhood classroom, including children's openness to new experiences and the need for teachers to be open to new ideas and confident in the positive role of technology. Considers elements to look for in choosing educational software. (JPB)

Defines the elements of play, illuminating its central role in young children's learning and development. Focuses on how play experiences contribute to children's independence in negotiating, its role in keeping children involved, and the play-reality distinction. Offers suggestions to teachers for facilitating and supporting children's play,…

Compares reading aloud and telling stories as ways to share literature with young children and support language and literacy learning. Describes how story telling can help children develop critical and active listening skills, and how retelling stories encourages children to create their own stories and later write and illustrate their stories.…

This NAEYC presentation at White House Summit on Early Childhood Cognitive Development: Ready to Read, Ready to Learn describes key elements of early literacy and emphasizes essential supports for children's positive development and learning. The presentation focuses on the ways early childhood teachers can support children's language/literacy and…

Suggests developmentally appropriate ways early childhood teachers can help young children express, interpret, and understand their experiences through song. Discusses the importance of singing for gaining music and literacy skills and encouraging self-expression and creativity. Includes tips related to posture, breathing, vocal exploration, vocal…

Presents a former family day care provider's reflections on preschool teaching priorities. Priorities include teaching flexibility and creativity, acceptance of one's own and others' vulnerability, valuing of each other's individuality, and development of empathy. (BB)

Two case studies examined the relationship between preschool teachers' educational level and their interactions with students. Subjects were two preschool teachers with degrees and three without. Specific similarities and differences among the teachers support the need for instruction in developmentally appropriate practices for adults who work…

Describes a project in a kindergarten classroom in which a professor, graduate assistant, the classroom teacher, and parents served as writing role models during the daily journal writing time. After 7 to 10 days of the project, children labeled their drawings, wrote about a variety of topics, copied adults' writing, experimented with print, and…