This volume, the second of two, offers a supervised, self-instructional training program for the professional development of child caregivers. The volume provides orientation materials and seven training modules that are organized around functional areas of the Child Development Associate (CDA) Competency Standards. These areas concern the…

This study tested hypotheses concerning perceived and real consequences of certification for individuals who earned a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in Illinois. Primary hypotheses were that the majority of CDAs would indicate that earning the CDA credential had made a positive difference to them, made their job better, and increased…

Guidance techniques for use with children are discussed in this set of training materials, part of an overall curriculum for Child Development Associate trainees. Topics presented include the following: (1) principles of human behavior according to such theories as psychoanalysis, humanistic psychology, and social learning theory; (2) common…

This final and inclusive report discusses the findings of a national survey of training programs which were intended to prepare Head Start classroom staff to meet the competency requirements of the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential. Self-administered survey questionnaires for project managers, field supervisors, and trainees were…

Summary statistics and questionnaires are presented in this appendix to the Final Report of the National Survey of Head Start Supplementary Training/Child Development Associate (HSST/CDA) Competency Based Training Programs. (HSST/CDA training programs are intended to prepare Head Start classroom staff to meet the competency requirements of the CDA…

This Child Development Associate (CDA) training module, the first in a series of 16, provides a course in child behavior observation and systematic recordkeeping skills for bilingual/bicultural preschool teacher trainees. Exercises in observation are designed to lead the trainee from biased ways of looking at children to the use of techniques of…

This description of the development and evaluation of a model training curriculum is part of a series of three documents which together constitute a guide to the training of the Bilingual-Bicultural Child Development Associate (CDA) trainer. The introduction focuses on the objectives, background and philosophy of the Texas Bilingual-Bicultural CDA…

Based on sound developmentally appropriate theory, this revised guide is designed to help early childhood teachers deal with common problems that arise in all aspects of their work. Following an introduction and a list of the 20 most important principles for successful preschool teaching, the guide is divided into nine parts. Part 1 addresses…

This report presents the most recent salary and benefits data available for the U.S. child care workforce. Mean and median level child care salaries are compared to the median salaries of other occupations. In addition, data for average wages of preschool teachers and child care workers are presented for each state, with information on wages…

Noting that everyone who interacts with a young child is a teacher, this booklet for preschool teachers and child care providers draws from scientifically based research about what they can do to help children develop their language abilities, increase their knowledge, become familiar with books and other printed materials, learn letters and…

Noting that kindergarten entry is a major milestone for all young children and their families and that this transition to school can set the tone for the child's future school experiences, this booklet was developed to promote communication and understanding among Vermont parents, caregivers, and schools to ensure that all children experience a…

Argues for developing a storytelling culture in early childhood programs to encourage staff enthusiasm and engagement. Describes five development strategies: (1) descriptive observation; (2) using children's books in staff meetings; (3) creating persona doll stories; (4) using stories from professional literature; and (5) creating visual stories…

Inclusive child care programs are built upon planning and implementation that includes all educators. Currently, there is a gap between early childhood educators and early childhood special educators. This gap can be bridged by concentrating on commonalities in educational practices, instructional strategies, and interventions. (JW)

Discusses ingredients inherent in democratic, ethical, and moral character and practices and the ways in which early childhood caregivers and teachers can institute democratic practices in their classrooms with young children. Considers the uses of discipline in democratic child care and education. (BB)

Four articles in this special section discuss (1) ideas for making discipline a positive experience for child care staff and children (Karen Stephens); (2) scenarios illustrating the power of adult messages to children (Karen Stephens); (3) classroom environments that facilitate positive discipline (Marjorie K. Kostelnik); and (4) strategies for…