Based on a participant-observer's 14-month experience in the day care setting, this paper describes the curriculum implementation in an inner-city day care center--called "Banza" for purposes of this paper--in which both students and teachers come from working class or poor, African American, Caribbean, or Latino families. Through its…

Noting the need for research to support and inform early childhood classroom practices, this paper describes action research and presents examples of studies prepared by preservice teachers or by certified teachers pursuing master's degrees in education. Action research, aligned with regularly used assessment strategies, is a method whereby…

In 1914-15, the Bureau of Education made a study of kindergarten training schools, the results of which were published in Bulletin, 1916, No. 5. Following the publication of this bulletin, a number of supervisors of kindergartens throughout the United States requested the Bureau of Education to make a study of kindergarten supervision similar to…

This article describes a university-based training model for early intervention personnel in rural areas of Utah. The model uses an array of distance technologies including interactive television, Internet communications, CD-ROM, videotape, and traditional print material. Key decision-making points and the process of model development and delivery…

Draws on findings from case studies and interviews with children, parents, and early childhood educators to highlight several issues relevant to children's transition to school within the context of Australia's Starting School Research Project. Illustrates the cultural diversity of school children and the initiatives that respond to particular…

Describes an initiative of the National Association for the Education of Young Children with the goals of helping early childhood professionals prevent child abuse and neglect and promote healthy social and emotional development. Highlights findings from the Phase 1 research project confirming that most educators are willing to participate more…

Presents eight points for designing the physical and programmatic environments to prevent discipline problems and support learning in early childhood classrooms. Points relate to designing clearly defined activity areas, providing adequate space, assessing the activity structure throughout the day, following an age-appropriate schedule, and…

Describes the activities of a classroom teacher and her students at Addison Gardens British Nursery School in London, England, which was influenced by, and incorporated the tenets of, Friedrich Froebel's educational philosophy of children's learning. Discusses the application of Froebel's principles to art education. (BB)

Describes a set of techniques designed to provide teacher support for children engaged in story re-enactment. The techniques were developed at the Early Childhood Development Center at the University of Vermont, and found to be useful with preschool children. (BB)

A kindergarten teacher relates her experience of becoming a better teacher after her move from a teacher-directed to a child-centered classroom and curriculum. (BB)

Describes the early childhood components of India's National Policy on Education (1986), focusing particularly on the training of grassroots level personnel or Anganwadi workers, preschool teachers, creche workers, middle-level personnel, and project officers. Reviews training innovations, including mobile creches, home-based programs,…

Despite rising demand for high-quality child care, the norm for early childhood staff is low salaries, few benefits, and difficult working conditions. This article provides an overview of compensation of early childhood professionals, and describes some state and local initiatives that address the need for funding and policies that support a…

Describes an early childhood mentorship model used at the University of South Florida to provide support to early childhood educators. Discusses the importance of mentoring for teacher retention. Presents findings from a professional needs survey of 84 graduates, of which a core group of 30 were identified as potential master cooperating teachers…

This article describes peer coaching as a method for teacher improvement and offers guidelines for establishing a peer coaching program for early childhood and early childhood special education teachers and related services professionals. It also identifies common problems and possible solutions of peer coaching programs. Sample forms for use in…

Describes a bilingual prekindergarten teacher's approach to oral language development with children who are Spanish-language dominant, considering the links between her approach and constructivist learning theory. Describes how children in the classroom interact socially with adults and peers to develop oral language skills. (JPB)