Discusses the critical links between children's social and cognitive development in light of findings of the Cost, Quality, and Child Outcomes in Child Care Centers study discussed in this issue. Highlights some observations of the study. Examines public notions regarding child care and the need to increase awareness of circumstances from which…

States the importance of effective outreach programs. Describes components of outreach that are important to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Discusses monitoring implementation of outreach at NAEYC and issues such as multiculturalism and vocal extremism. (MOK)

Comments on the dilemma of defining the early care and education profession when its knowledge base is needed to determine both the tone and substance of the national social policy agenda. Suggests considering early care and education as part of the broader field of people known as developmentalists and, in this role, ensuring that children's…

Provides a rationale for use of the term "developmentalist" to refer to practitioners, teachers, and scholars. Defines being a "developmentalist" and suggests that this concept, which integrates educators' knowledge bases about preschool, child care, and early childhood education, contributes to a comprehensive view of child…

Explores the role of NAEYC' accreditation in improving the quality of early childhood programs. Highlights the importance of the self-study process during accreditation procedures. (HTH)

Discusses NAEYC's efforts to advance early care and education providers' knowledge base, skills, and responsibility levels, and the implications of corresponding public policy related to their training. Suggests that the professional training agenda must prepare caregivers to meet the needs of children of various races, languages, social classes,…

Emphasizes the National Association for the Education of Young Children's (NAEYC) mission of enhancing the growth and development of young children. Suggests that the implementation of NAEYC's goals requires the effective involvement of its members and the public. It is important that NAEYC provide its constituents with accurate, easily understood…

Presents testimony given at a Congressional briefing on findings of the National Child Care Staffing Study. The study concerned the staffing and budgeting crisis in the child care industry as a whole and the University of Pittsburgh Child Development Center in particular. (Author/BB)