Explains concerns about the use of timeout in early childhood settings and the importance of replacing timeouts with guidance to build an encouraging classroom. Offers suggestions for becoming a guidance professional, teaching democratic life skills, and building an encouraging classroom. Suggestions for building an encouraging classroom relate to…

Describes the ensuing conflict when the book "Daddy's Roommate" was included as part of the preschool anti-bias curriculum. Discusses parent boycott, letters to parents, board discussions, and formation of a committee to propose solutions. Describes the voting plan based on position statements on both sides of the issue and how creating…

Discusses ingredients inherent in democratic, ethical, and moral character and practices and the ways in which early childhood caregivers and teachers can institute democratic practices in their classrooms with young children. Considers the uses of discipline in democratic child care and education. (BB)