Reports results of the Parent/Teacher Study, which examined: (1) predictors associated with a positive or negative relationship between parents and teachers in child care settings; (2) the impact of parents' jobs on children; and (3) predictors associated with mothers' satisfaction with child care. (BB)

Discusses three major characteristics that are important for child care professionals: experience, knowledge, and special personal qualities. Among the special personal qualities discussed are those of anticipating and planning, protecting, listening, comforting, and caring for the whole family. (BB)

Outlines and discusses some of the major sources of tension between employed parents and teacher-caregivers. Also provides ways in which teacher-caregivers can work effectively with parents and turn these sources of tension into sources of support. (BB)

Discusses implications of cultural influences on child rearing for teachers' communication and caregiving routines in early childhood settings. Highlights the Parent-Teacher Dialogue Project (San Francisco Bay area) to encourage open dialog between parents and caregivers, which has resulted in increased awareness of the impact of teachers'…

Maintains that if the relationship between child-care-program staff, parents, and the community is approached responsibly, joyously, and creatively, the result will be a web of caring that vitalizes, rather than restricts, the young child. (BB)

Argues that, because of their direct relationship with children and parents, early childhood educators and caregivers should establish a level of personal advocacy that works, in addition to local, state, and federal levels of advocacy, on behalf of social policies that are beneficial to children and families. (BB)

Discusses ways for caregivers to improve sensitivity to cultural and individual differences and increase communication across cultural barriers. Offers suggestions for managing and resolving conflicts related to caregiving practices. (LB)

Presents a National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Ethics Commission member's comments and suggestions about how early childhood educators can best make sound decisions about the ethical dilemma of the welfare of the child and the confidentiality of its divorced parents. (BB)

Considers the public's growing recognition that early childhood education is good for young children. Addresses misconceptions that education and care are different and that the purpose of early childhood programs is to prepare children for school. (BG)

Discusses ways young children, families, and caregivers can work together in toilet learning. Describes signs of child readiness, and ways teachers can be supportive at this stage. Presents a classroom plan to facilitate toileting for 2- and 3- year-olds. Includes tips for parents and for caregivers related to toileting materials, toileting…

Maintains that early childhood teachers and administrators must address the possibility that the young children they serve will become gay or lesbian adults; work with gay and lesbian parents and colleagues with sensitivity; and work to relinquish any homophobia they might have. (BB)

Presents a summary of readers' responses to a survey on recurring ethical dilemmas in early childhood education: the dilemma concerns divorced parents and what early childhood educators can do that is most beneficial to the child when the noncustodial parent (mother) requests confidential information about the child and its father. (BB)

Contends that educators and caregivers are still constrained in relationships with parents, respond with resentment and stonewalling when parents express uneasiness about pedagogical practices, and too frequently treat parents and children from other cultures differently. Suggests that true dialog may transform practitioners as educators, children…

Focuses on the transition of problem children from one child care center to another, when administrators determine that a program can no longer serve that child's needs. Describes four different cases to illustrate the range of behaviors associated with difficult children. Proposes strategies to accomplish successful transitions for these children…

Focuses on factors that thwart true school-parent partnerships in the development and education of children. Factors include a family's socioeconomic status, democratic issues, the creation of school systems, gender bias against women, teacher priorities, racism, and classism. (Author/BB)