Presents a case study of innovative program development in early childhood education at an American university. Program history, organizational structure, and goals are outlined as they relate to social and economic demands. (BJD)

Shows how several principles from Piaget's theory have a number of implications for the classroom learning environment, curriculum development and teacher role. (BF/JH)

Discusses the critical links between children's social and cognitive development in light of findings of the Cost, Quality, and Child Outcomes in Child Care Centers study discussed in this issue. Highlights some observations of the study. Examines public notions regarding child care and the need to increase awareness of circumstances from which…

Examines the prevailing myth that children's well-being increases through consumerism. Addresses the scope of child-focused consumption, negative impact of child-oriented consumerism on child development, creation of an imagination-stifling environment; and the relationship between instant gratification and avoidance of challenges. Concludes that…

The Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) is an innovative, accredited, internationally recognized program that is based at the School of Child and Youth Care, University of Victoria, in British Columbia, Canada. While the operation's core base is small, the virtual university's network and its impact are global. It works to…

Points out adult behaviors likely to help children develop responsibility. Discussion focuses on the inadvisability of using reward and punishment, the importance of exchanging viewpoints with children and letting them make decisions, and the importance of beginning training for autonomy in the early years. (RH)

Article analyzes the needs of children regarding their education, the setting for that education, and the psychological theories that best satisfy those needs. (RK)

Article attempts to describe a program which seeks to foster the development of persons who can respond constructively, responsibly, imaginatively and humanely to life's vicissitudes. (Author/RK)

Presents an interactive model of child development associate (CDA) training. The article discusses a self-evaluation interview, training modules, field advisor meetings, discussion groups, and observation and feedback groups. CDA competencies and related functional areas are presented. (Author/DB)

Indicates how various degrees of malnutrition affect children's development. Reviews research conducted in several developing countries and the United States, and describes the nutritional status of children in the United States. Implications for nutrition programs, research and policy formation are pointed out. (Author/RH)

Discusses Vygotsky's theory and the research stimulated by it. Notes that the vast literature on children's play reveals that its contributions to child development can be looked at from diverse vantage points. Suggests that Vygotsky's theory has much to say to teachers about the importance of promoting make-believe in preschool and child care…

Describes ways early childhood caregivers can facilitate children's spiritual development by observing the "canto hondo," the deep song. Discusses characteristics of the canto hondo as a metaphor for caring for the souls of children and their uniqueness, including safety, celebration, respect, acceptance, dreaming, and laughter. (KB)

In this book excerpt the authors briefly note the typical developmental features of babies ages birth to four months, four to eight months, eight to twelve months, and twelve to eighteen months. They make suggestions for interactions supporting play during each stage.

Reprints an April 17, 1989 NEWSWEEK cover story, "How Kids Learn," which maintains that young children learn best in developmentally appropriate programs that promote cognitive, social, and language development; physical activities; feelings of competence and self-esteem; individual rates of growth; parent involvement; and teacher…

Discusses mentoring as a professional development strategy to meet the needs of experienced and novice practitioners. Defines mentoring and differentiates it from supervision. Discusses the following aspects of early childhood mentoring programs: (1) goals and assumptions; (2) design and structure, including mentor qualifications and training; (3)…