Identifies popular child care settings and outlines several components of quality child care. Lists short- and long-term cognitive, social, and emotional effects of child care on children from low-income families. Describes some benefits of child care and reports a cost-benefit analysis of one quality program. Offers recommendations for future…

Assessed a preschool health education program. Preschoolers of four, five, and six years attended a 15-week health education program, and 19 of the children took pretests and posttests of health knowledge. Results indicated an increase in health knowledge. Six curriculum objectives were shown to have higher scores at the posttest than at the…

Proposes methods to enable both normal and at-risk young children to develop high and long-lasting competencies in language and other cognitive and social skills. Recommends engaging children with language informally in play and the ordinary routines of child care, both individually and in small groups, and emphasizing both the social,…

Examined conflict behavior of 50 3-year olds in day care centers to learn how and why adults become involved in children's conflicts. Found that adults were more likely to intervene when there was some physical activity involved in the conflict, and that this heading off of violence may inhibit children from learning to deal independently with…

Describes the contents of the November 1989 issue of Early Childhood Development and Care, which concerns early childhood education and care in Australia. (RJC)

Examined effects of the day care environment on Singaporean preschoolers in 16 day care centers as assessed by the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale. Found that day care quality as measured by the total score and specific subscales was related to children's language development, especially verbal fluency. Effects were evident even when…

This case study traces responses of one child to a program of music experiences implemented in the toddler playroom of a day care center for 10 months. The program used three types of music experience: free music play, sociable music experiences, and music incorporated into caregiving routines. Findings highlight how music activities can enhance a…

Investigates the language interactions of four children aged 20-23 months and their caregivers at a day care center. Results suggest that if extra toys are available, and the caregiver is trained to engage children in responsive conversations, then conversations will increase in frequency and quality. (RJC)

Examines the changing needs for early childhood education, arguing that the ideal curriculum should have a developmentally appropriate, hands-on, multisensory approach to learning and should include play. Explores several innovative multigenerational approaches to the complex problems of quality and affordability in early childhood programs. (HTH)

Reviews recent research on the effect of day care on the intellectual development of advantaged children. Some researchers report beneficial effects, while others report a negative effect on cognitive functions. (RJC)

Discusses the history of the New Zealand Council for Educational Research and the functions and research projects of its Early Childhood Unit. Discusses the relationship between research and practice in early child development and education within the context of the council's early childhood work. (RJC)

Investigated use of standardized questionnaires to establish organizational characteristics of group day-care providers in self-assessments. Examined processes by which nurseries instigate group discussing of self-assessment procedures, establish priorities for change, develop action plans, and implement change. Identified several suitable…

This monograph describes early child care in Israel along the following dimensions: historical perspectives, the status of disadvantaged minorities, cultural assumptions and values, division of responsibilities, planning, socialization, programs, professional training, information and communication, and research. Statistical tables include…

Surveyed 275 parents as to desires and expectations for child care, for which there is currently little information. Found that most parents were satisfied with their chosen child care arrangements, but had a limited base of knowledge for their choice and had stereotypical views of the meaning of progress. Choices showed concern for affordability…

This study used observations of quality of 5-year olds' lives in Danish, Finnish, and Swedish day-care centers to examine impact of adults on development of togetherness. Findings suggest that togetherness has to do with positive emotional relations. Article hypothesizes that togetherness may contribute to building of a real community of learners…