Describes a home-based parent education component of a bilingual, bicultural preschool program which involves parents in the decision-making process concerning their child's education and has effected a language and cultural exchange between the Anglo and Spanish-speaking communities. (CS)

Maintains that if the relationship between child-care-program staff, parents, and the community is approached responsibly, joyously, and creatively, the result will be a web of caring that vitalizes, rather than restricts, the young child. (BB)

Argues that, because of their direct relationship with children and parents, early childhood educators and caregivers should establish a level of personal advocacy that works, in addition to local, state, and federal levels of advocacy, on behalf of social policies that are beneficial to children and families. (BB)

Presents a teacher's reflections on the need to know about, and talk with parents and other teachers about, the benefits of using a child development-based, whole language, thematic approach to teaching in the primary grades. (BB)

Urges early childhood professionals to build partnerships with parents and with other teachers. Points out that agencies and individuals, like children, can demonstrate different cooperative styles. Barriers to collaboration and benefits of cooperative partnerships are discussed. (GH)

Examines the nature of the relationship between educators and parents of children in public schools, focusing on minority families. Discusses the need for flexibility and adaptability, the value of informal assessment, effective joint parent-teacher problem solving, and family differences and support. Provides options for improving communication…

Urges the preschool teacher to assume the role of mental health counselor by working closely with parents. Suggests ways to deal with normal childrearing situations and with crises involving death, illness or surgery, and separation or divorce. Briefly discusses the nursery school's handling of children with psychological problems. (BRT)

Presents a procedure used at one cooperative preschool to orient parents and volunteer participants to a developmentally appropriate program. (BB)

The primary caregiving model provides for teachers to have primary daily responsibility for the same small group of toddlers or infants. The system allows for creation of strong bonds between teacher and child and provides parents with a trusted care partnership. Challenges to the system include large child-to- caregiver ratios, matching teachers…

Discusses how teachers of young children can help them and their families in learning about death and in dealing with bereavement. The emphasis is on openness of facts and feelings and aiding in mastery of unpleasant feelings. (BF)

Reports on research about single-father families and discusses implications for early childhood educators. Suggests that educators encourage the single-father, adapt to his schedule, cope with adult and child stress, provide parenting information, become aware of custody arrangements, and adjust the curriculum for all children. (AS)

Uses a psychoanalytic approach to examine effective ways to articulate concerns to parents about their child's difficulties. Presents methods for developing trusting relationships, planning prior to the conference, conducting the parent-teacher conference and post-conference follow-up, and meeting teachers' concerns. Describes two situations in…

Reports on research which looked at how parents' and early childhood teachers' attitudes toward work and child care influenced their relationships with each other. (PCB)

Presents recommendations for prekindergarten teachers for working with non-English speaking children who are entering the prekindergarten or early childhood program. A case study is included. (BB)

Discusses cases in which there is a conflict between what educators perceive as being best for children in light of their program's mission and what parents believe to be best in the context of home life. Suggests looking at problems of this nature from the perspective of each of the key players, one by one. (AA)