Used NICHD Study of Early Child Care data to test paths from child care quality through process indicators to child outcomes. Found that maternal caregiving quality was strongest predictor of cognitive and social competence. Nonmaternal caregiving quality related to cognitive and social competence. Nonmaternal caregiving quality mediated…

The early childhood literature has acknowledged the need for culturally competent child care professionals. Based on Sue's (1981) tri-dimensional model, the Infant and Toddler Caregiver Cultural Rating Scale (ITCCRS) was created to assess 109 child care providers' cultural competence and the demographic correlates of that competence. Scores fell…

Based on the view that play builds the foundation for lifelong learning, this 3-volume set of videotapes (in English and Spanish versions) with accompanying facilitators guide depicts a wide variety of parents/caregivers playing with infants and toddlers to highlight the importance of playing and interacting in ways that support and expand…

This workbook for kinship care providers is designed to be used with a comprehensive 6-module, 9-session curriculum, providing caregivers with 27 hours of information and support related to kinship care. Sessions are designed to facilitate interaction and the sharing of experiences and support among participants. Meetings utilize a task-based…

Efforts to improve the educational achievement of children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, are at the heart of current government policies in the United Kingdom. The Peers Early Education Partnership (PEEP) is an intervention that, since 1995, has worked directly with parents and caregivers of children from infancy to 5 years of…

This guide for trainers offers a comprehensive child-centered perspective on training field workers in early childhood education. The theme of the role of play in child growth, development, and learning runs throughout the guide while its form, a series of structured exercises to help trainers handle all aspects of the subject, emphasizes the…

This guidebook provides information, exercises, and self-assessment instruments for training elderly people about the theory and practice of child care and development so that they can become caregivers in their homes or in community centers. The guide's eight units cover: (1) physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development; (2)…

An unprecedented number of young children in Sub-Saharan Africa are being adversely affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, yet programs specifically designed to meet the developmental needs of orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC) from birth to age 8 are rare. This article summarizes the daunting array of challenges facing young OVC in Sub-Saharan…

Explores some widely held assumptions concerning the role of child development knowledge in teaching young children. Issues explored include What does the term "development" mean? What child development knowledge should be learned? Can we agree on a body of child development knowledge and principles? Why has the role of child development knowledge…

Examines issues pertaining to the development of a formal knowledge base to guide the thinking and practice of early childhood teachers. Discusses the authors' views on formal knowledge, practice and reflection, and the process of teacher education, and how these views are operationalized in the master's level program at Erikson Institute in…

The number of very young children entering center-based child care programs is growing. Now, more than ever, it is important for caregivers to understand the impact they have on the healthy development of the children in their care. "Emotional Connections" translates new research on cognitive, social, and emotional development in the early years…

Examines how the terms "child development knowledge" and "teacher preparation" have come to be understood in ways that place limits on how we think about children and the preparation of teachers. Illustrates some of the differences between modernism and postmodernism, then considers why a universal practice premised on a universal theory of…

For some years, the European Commission on Childcare and Other Measures to Reconcile Employment and Family Responsibilities has given priority to the role of men as caregivers. Work in child care services remains one of the most gender-segregated occupations in the entire labor force, and this discussion paper adopts a clear position that more men…

Introduces the articles presented in this special collection and provides the appropriate context for discussing the relationship between changes in the child development knowledge base and their implications for early childhood teacher preparation and practice. Presents an overview of recent developments in both the preparation and practice…

Due to a lack of initial orientation training for school-age child care staff, the childcare program for 6- to 18-year-olds, located at an Air Force installation, was not fully acquainting new employees with the developmental needs of school-age children. Because of a lack of financial resources to conduct extensive training, high turnover of…