Argues that choice with responsibility belongs to the child, there must be a gradual continuous assumption of responsibility, and the choice with responsibility is a learning process. It is important to avoid offering choices that are not authentic. Adults also have responsibilities in fostering children's growth along these lines. (BF/JH)

Examines young children's responses to and understanding of death. Discusses children's concepts of death; how their grief process differs from that of adults; stages of grief; factors affecting grief responses; acceptance of children's grief response; support for grieving children, especially funeral services and counseling; and preparing and…

If developmental psychologists were asked to nominate the most exciting, cutting-edge research area in the field's recent history, many would vote for the area popularly known as theory-of-mind development, the childhood acquisition of everyday, common-sense knowledge and beliefs about the mental world. This article deals with several research…

Emotions have an impact on teacher effectiveness, behavior, cognition, and motivation, as well as on children's behavior. The authors discuss emotional intelligence and offer a teacher self-assessment tool to help teachers reflect on and improve their sensitivity. They include suggestions for making the classroom an emotionally intelligent…

Argues that teachers play a major role in guiding children toward responsible anger management. Addresses what researchers know about the development of children's feeling, expression, and understanding of anger. Examines factors contributing to managing anger including memory, language, and self-referential and self-regulatory behaviors.…

Pastoral del Nino is transforming children's lives in rural Paraguay. Part of Pastoral Social (Catholic Social Services), Pastoral del Nino's primary focus is to bring "vida en abundancia" (the abundant life) to families by ensuring that mothers survive childbirth and children reach their first birthdays. In addition, the organization…

There are many ways to move the field toward greater professionalization. In this article, the authors present some ideas that are macro in focus--designed to move the whole field toward consensus and action--and some ideas that are micro, focused on suggested actions for early childhood programs operating throughout the country and around the…

Reviews studies of maternal employment, processes in child care settings, and the link between children's development and family and child care influences. Critically evaluates the risk for children's social and emotional development that may result from infant child care. (BB)

Piagetian principles are illustrated with examples from the preschool classroom; authors conclude that teachers should stand back awhile and watch the children do their own learning.'' (Author/SP)

Highlights Piaget's stages of development and discusses their implications for better parenting. (MP)

Describes the development and nature of learning kits used in the infant/toddler program of Tribal American Children Center Schools. A rationale and a guide for using the learning kits are offered. (Author/RH)

Summarizes membership growth and progress of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) for the 1996-97 year, and the Association's effort to raise awareness of children's needs and provide opportunities for improving experiences of young children. Provides suggestions for targeting membership drives to increase…

FirstSchool is a school reform approach to early schooling for children 3 to 8 years old. It was developed over the past five years through a collaborative partnership among families, schools, communities, and institutions of higher education. The approach responds to the needs of all young children--especially in African American or Latino…

Outlines the basic principles of attachment theory and its implications for young children's social and emotional development. Applies attachment theory to children whose behaviors are especially challenging, using examples from a primary classroom in an urban setting. Asserts that sensitive teachers can build collaborative relationships. (SD)

Discusses the value of nature education to early childhood education. The domains of adaptive, aesthetic, cognitive, communication, sensorimotor, and socioemotional development are discussed. Suggests that because young children learn primarily through their senses and motoric manipulation, they are excellent candidates for nature education…