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…

Discusses ways in which early childhood teachers can educate parents about the necessity for developmentally appropriate education at the preschool and primary levels, despite widespread parental preferences for an inappropriate, structured academic curriculum. Teachers can explain the purposes of developmentally appropriate curriculum to parents,…

Describes early childhood teachers' responses to a hypothetical ethical dilemma that concerned a parent's possibly abusive behavior following a discussion of her child's behavior with the teacher. Discusses the use of the NAEYC code of ethics to resolve problems in everyday practice. (AA)

Discusses expanding the "evaluate solutions" step of problem-solving strategy to develop a guidance plan to solve children's troublesome behaviors. Parents and teacher determine the goals for the child, the child's relevant individual characteristics, the needs of the people involved, and the feelings of those involved as a guide to…

Discusses a concept of community schools that involves the partnership of business, community members, parents, and educators. These schools should offer a multiyear, comprehensive early childhood program that may include preschool and child care, nutrition and health services, parent education and involvement, and child-centered curricula. (SH)

Analyzed parents' observations and perceptions of the transition process of their children into kindergarten. Found that even though most parents (two-thirds) reported satisfactory transitions, 47% of responses contained negative features, reflecting difficulties during transition. Parents found ongoing communication, agreed-upon performance…

Notes that mental health is important to children as well as early childhood educators. Suggests the use of child psychoanalysts as demonstrated by the Houston-Galveston Psychoanalytic Institute. Describes the implementation of such programs to assist directors and teachers. Provides a list of American Psychoanalytic Association affiliate…

Presents a National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Ethics Commission member's comments and suggestions about how early childhood educators can best make sound decisions about the ethical dilemma of the welfare of the child and the confidentiality of its divorced parents. (BB)

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…

Considers the public's growing recognition that early childhood education is good for young children. Addresses misconceptions that education and care are different and that the purpose of early childhood programs is to prepare children for school. (BG)

Teachers who believe that a particular preschooler is not progressing normally can use the suggestions in this article at conferences with the preschooler's parents. Methods for getting more information to parents and working with parents to arrange for a referral are discussed. (BB)

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…

Discusses ways young children, families, and caregivers can work together in toilet learning. Describes signs of child readiness, and ways teachers can be supportive at this stage. Presents a classroom plan to facilitate toileting for 2- and 3- year-olds. Includes tips for parents and for caregivers related to toileting materials, toileting…

Discusses the use of authentic assessment during creative learning activities in kindergarten classrooms to document growth and support further learning. Provides an example of how authentic assessment was used to document the social progress of one child during kindergarten. Concludes that authentic assessment of children's activities and…