Discusses the critical role of the early childhood educator related to group and special needs assessment, individual abilities assessment, group and individual instruction, and communication with the K-12 educational system. Presents two scenarios describing early childhood teachers and their role in the delivery of exemplary early childhood…

Describes a project whereby a harpist collaborated with a preschool to introduce a harp and related music instruction into the classrooms. Notes the various learning experiences of individual children and the appropriateness of play as the mechanism for creating an inviting environment as children experienced the harp. (HTH)

Provides a historical overview of the research concerning young children's school attendance. Notes that the research favors developmentally appropriate practices and shows that, overall, child-initiated environments are associated with higher levels of cognitive functioning. Stresses the importance of preparing early childhood teachers to…

Surveyed attitudes and knowledge of parents with children in a university-based preschool regarding developmentally appropriate preschool practices (DAP). Found that many parents understood developmentally appropriate practice. Most parents believed that children learned through play with other children and exploration of the environment. Mothers…

This case study examined a collaboration between a college and school district to explore options for constructing systematic early childhood field experiences that would enhance a developing school initiative related to school readiness. Preliminary outcomes relate to continuing to work closely together, conducting additional mutual…

Notes that if school efforts to develop children who are tolerant of racial and cultural differences are to succeed, teachers must examine more closely the role parents can and do play in determining children's attitudes and behaviors. Describes a curriculum partnership whereby parents participate in the development of anti-bias curriculum. (HTH)

Notes that aesthetic movement is a thoughtful expression of some of the child's deepest intellectual intentions. Presents practical classroom activities for preschool settings that offer children opportunities to engage in aesthetic movement that will develop their intelligences, connections across various "knowledge domains," ability to…

Addresses how the early childhood educator can develop mathematical concepts in the context of goals and standards set by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and simultaneously enhance literacy development. Includes suggestions for daily story time using children's books with strong mathematics and science connections, and for teaching…

Examines recent research on developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) and social-emotional and cognitive development and what has been learned about DAP in early childhood classrooms. Finds that, in general, child-initiated environments are associated with higher levels of cognitive functioning, which, coupled with findings on stress and…

Suggests that a better understanding of effective methods for teaching adults will contribute to a paradigm shift in training of child care center staff based on developmentally appropriate practices for adults. Details seven recommendations for improving staff training, and contrasts appropriate and inappropriate practice in the areas of…

Presents the Kindezian philosophy of early childhood education, a historical developmentally appropriate Africentric worldview. Describes the curriculum as predating Western curriculum development by centuries. Maintains that Kindezi affords children the possibility to develop their full potential and that it provides a framework on which to…

Examined the interrelationships between day care teachers' job satisfaction, stability, and their interaction with children in 25 classrooms of 3- and 4-year-olds. Found that teachers who were higher on quality of interactions with children were more likely to consider their work a long-term career, to return to their job in the fall, and to take…

Discusses the importance of "sweetening" language and literacy experiences by using everyday-life language in playful ways. Maintains that listening to children's language, modeling literacy engagement, playing with language as children do, and loving children unconditionally are primary conditions for optimal, developmentally…

Describes developmental interventions, attachment issues, curricular ideas, and nutritional considerations that can facilitate successful integration into U.S. early childhood environments of children adopted from overseas. Asserts that early childhood educators can nurture adopted children's development by arranging a conducive environment,…

Argues that developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood education is a good model for effective practice in teacher education programs preparing early childhood teachers. Discusses ways to design classroom learning centers for adult students, describes strategies for tapping into what is known about how adults learn, and presents the…