Discusses the 'wasted time' dilemma and its effects on children in day-care centers. 'Wasted time' refers to small, seemingly insignificant incidents of waiting between activities which add up to more than an hour of boredom for children during an eight-hour day. (CM)

Examines state financial commitment to child care and early education. Indicates that levels of commitment vary widely, are inadequate to serve many children and families in need, and depend more on state "will" than on state resources. Points out that states give child care and early education a low priority. Suggests that increased…

Reviews recent research offering guidance on how early childhood programs might strengthen ties with parents. Examines dimensions of parent and staff confidence in each other, and offers responsive strategies for engaging parents. Recommends provisions that would enable programs to work closely with parents. (KB)

Describes how problems with water drainage on the playground, and the resulting puddles, provided a wealth of learning opportunities, children's fun, family-school communication, and challenges for one early childhood program. (KB)

Presents guidelines to be used when legislation which would expand existing early childhood programs for young children or create new programs is being considered. The categories for these guidelines include provisions for program standards to ensure quality programs; parental access and involvement; service eligibility; interagency linkages and…

Raises issues for public debate on the quality of child care services. Argues for immediate closure of harmful centers, state licensing laws, expanding present child care services in the public schools, and a comprehensive child development act that puts early childhood education programs into public schools. (AS)

Illustrates how child caregivers and preschool teachers have positively affected the lives of young children. Cites two examples in which teachers helped children who needed meals and who needed a haven from a violent home. (BB)

Presents the 1997 position of the National Association for the Education of Young Children regarding licensing and public regulation of early childhood programs. Discusses current shortcomings in licensing systems. Delineates 10 principles for effective regulation related to regulation criteria; complementary professional licensing of individuals;…

Examines ways to enhance children's spiritual development in a broader sense than religious beliefs. Describes a quiet corner, a silence game, guided meditation, questions to evoke wonder, and other techniques for fostering spirituality. Asserts that teachers have a responsibility to help children broaden the spiritual aspect of their human…

Focuses on children's daily experiences as an important component of assessing the quality of child care programs. Discusses the importance of individual and group engagement to better understand the quality classroom environments and keep track of improvements over time. Presents the Engagement Check II as a measure of group engagement and…

Describes methods and findings of the NICHD Study of Early Child Care. Argues that media focused too heavily on one isolated finding relating quantity of day care to child aggression. Describes the conduct of a steering committee to coordinate study design. Advocates improving child care quality and examines ways to prevent aggressive behavior and…

Compares six publications circulated by the National Association for the Education of Young Children concerning their views on what constitutes good care for young children and how this care can be ensured. (HOD)

Adapted from a speech given at the 1985 conference of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, this discussion addresses issues concerning the formation of a national child care policy and describes factors contributing to "child carelessness" in the conception and delivery of child care services. (KS)

Describes the national data currently available to answer questions concerning: the match between children in need of child care and the type of arrangements made for them; the proportion of children in licensed arrangements; the relationship between price of care and the family's ability to pay; and parents' preferences for type of program. (BB)

Examines recent creative child care financing initiatives at the local and state level. Describes examples of programs promoting quality through direct financial support; expansion of portable assistance programs; and the use of multiple approaches and long-term commitments. Notes that expanded leadership is essential for success. (KB)