Explores current practices in kindergarten education and describes the knowledge base related to kindergarten. Considers implications for making kindergarten a place where children can grow, learn, and thrive. Includes discussion of the kindergarten students, readiness-based interventions, scheduling, and kindergarten activities. (KB)

Argues that mathematics literacy begins at birth and that all that children need to construct mathematics concepts for themselves are a stimulating environment and receptive adults. Provides suggestions for promoting emergent math for children from birth through 4 years, including using rhythm and music, incorporating mathematics concepts into…

Suggests that teachers make use of children's literature to stimulate the learning of mathematical concepts. Identifies criteria for selecting children's books for math class, and provides examples of appropriate books and questions teachers might pose to spark children's thinking about math. Cautions teachers to avoid books that are workbooks in…

Synthesizes research findings on how general education, specialized education, and experiences relate to early childhood professionals' teaching practices. Finds that teachers' formal education relates to classroom quality and effective teacher behavior. Specialized education may be causally related to classroom quality and is correlated with…

Competency-based criteria in Chicano preschool teacher training and credentialling must be specifically tailored to the Mexican American culture. Presented are: (1) a set of specific competencies focusing on verbal and interactional behavior, self concept, and parental involvement; and (2) an assessment process for measuring teacher competencies.…

Provides suggestions to help early childhood teachers work more effectively with teenage parents and become significant adults in teenage parents' lives. Suggestions include fostering positive identification and addressing individual teenager needs. Presents Erikson's stages of psychosocial development as a basis for recommendations to develop…

Examines the evolution of new professional roles and relationships in early childhood inclusive care and education, including the early intervention specialist, speech-language pathologist, physical therapist, and occupational therapist. Provides key questions for early childhood professionals, especially classroom teachers, to stimulate…

Discusses ways in which kindergarten and primary teachers can maximize their role in meeting the special needs of young gifted children. A case study illustrates the situation. (BB)

Compensation of early childhood professionals is not on an equal basis with that of other teachers or other professionals with similar training and experience. Six guidelines that can be used for making decisions about the provision of compensation to early childhood professionals are offered. (DG)

Reflects on Head Start's beginnings, its goal of enhancing children's social competence, and errors associated with the incorporation of evaluation measures and curricula that are cognitive in orientation into its programs. Concludes that such errors must not recur. Evaluation measures and curricula must reflect concern for the child's whole…

Examines ways of using collaboration to address the needs of young children with disabilities through Individualized Family Service Plans. Discusses collaborating among professionals and parents; identifying existing routines within the family and professional setting; developing family and child goals through listening, incorporating goals with…

Argues that teacher memories of childhood and early schooling have an impact on teachers' motivations, expectations, and values in the classroom. Examines how memories of early learning and schooling can influence the application of developmentally appropriate practice in the early child classroom in three important areas: learning environments,…

Describes how young children's perceptions of death relate to their stage of cognitive development. Discusses basic responsibilities of teachers regarding death education in early childhood settings: helping children feel safe while acknowledging the reality of death, promoting an accepting classroom atmosphere, and providing developmentally…

Discusses methods for promoting cooperative learning among preschoolers and the history of these methods. Describes class projects and activities at Dai-ichi Preschool in Japan, which uses group and individual activities to build a classroom group that fosters children's growth and creativity and supports children's efforts. (BB)

Describes the facilities, educational practices, curriculum, and classroom milieu of a Chinese kindergarten in Beijing. (BB)