Presents a six-phase model of the interdependent relationship between cooperating teachers and their student teachers in early childhood settings: (1) anticipation/excitement for cooperating teachers and anxiety/euphoria for student teachers; (2) confusion/clarity for both; (3) onstage/backstage and competence/inadequacy; (4) letting go/hanging on…

A kindergarten teacher relates her teaching experiences as she reexamines her role as teacher and shifts her focus from reading readiness to teaching reading. She reflects on her teaching practices, on learning new skills herself, and the challenge of incorporating new knowledge and practices into classroom instruction. (TJQ)

Chronicles the experiences of a rural West Virginia school district as it moved toward implementing developmentally appropriate practices in kindergarten through Grade 2. Examines the development of a plan for assessment and professional growth, and recommendations of the K-2 task force. Describes how four professional development goals were…

Helping young children see themselves as learners and movers requires mutual cooperation and support among teachers, families, and children. Physical educators at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro, in collaboration with pre-K teachers at two local schools, created the Tots in Action program for that purpose. The authors tell how the…

A critical examination of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) proposal for public school administration of federally supported child care programs. Presents the AFT position in detail, then explores distinctions between day care and school programs in terms of child-rearing responsibility and of developmental differences. Urges sensitivity…

Concludes from various research findings that men are leaving or being barred from work in child care programs because of low teacher salaries and prejudicial or stereotypic attitudes toward men. (BB)

Analyzes the uses and abuses of the Gesell School Readiness Screening Tests and similar tests. First, discusses developmental screening and readiness tests, then focuses on the Gesell tests, specifically addressing their validity and questioning their current uses. Discusses implications of using readiness tests for assigning children to…

Offers reasons for making a concerted effort to increase the number of men in early childhood education and maintains that the most compelling reasons relate to important goals: valuing diversity, providing equal employment opportunity, and working toward a just world. Suggests ways the National Association for the Education of Young Children can…

Describes an initiative of the National Association for the Education of Young Children with the goals of helping early childhood professionals prevent child abuse and neglect and promote healthy social and emotional development. Highlights findings from the Phase 1 research project confirming that most educators are willing to participate more…

Presents eight points for designing the physical and programmatic environments to prevent discipline problems and support learning in early childhood classrooms. Points relate to designing clearly defined activity areas, providing adequate space, assessing the activity structure throughout the day, following an age-appropriate schedule, and…

Discusses the reasons why kindergarten teachers have an "identity crisis" and have come to be in professional limbo in terms of their historical roots, educational background and training, and certification procedures. (BB)

Describes a set of techniques designed to provide teacher support for children engaged in story re-enactment. The techniques were developed at the Early Childhood Development Center at the University of Vermont, and found to be useful with preschool children. (BB)

A kindergarten teacher relates her experience of becoming a better teacher after her move from a teacher-directed to a child-centered classroom and curriculum. (BB)

Despite rising demand for high-quality child care, the norm for early childhood staff is low salaries, few benefits, and difficult working conditions. This article provides an overview of compensation of early childhood professionals, and describes some state and local initiatives that address the need for funding and policies that support a…

Examines the place of art appreciation in early childhood education programs. Discusses historical changes in philosophies of art education and young children's capability for appreciating art. Presents suggestions for including art appreciation in the preschool curriculum, and describes ways to tie art activities to children's interests,…