Engaging families in their children's growth and learning can support the healthy social, emotional, cognitive and physical development of young children. These affirmative relationships also support positive life long outcomes for children. The Kansas Family Engagement and Partnership Standards for Early Childhood provide guidance for families,…

Now in its second edition, "Nature and Young Children" promotes the holistic development of children by connecting them with nature. It offers advice and guidance on how to set up indoor and outdoor nature play spaces as well as encouraging environmentally responsible attitudes, values and behaviour in your early childhood setting. Covering topics…

This article provides early childhood practitioners a way to develop a common understanding of the importance of play in the early learning experience of young children. Meaningful discussion among teachers, parents, administrators, and teacher candidates regarding play in early childhood education programs is critical to ensure the growth and…

The importance of play in children's cognitive development is stressed, and the roles of transformation and language in play are examined. (CL)

The experience of a mainstreamed program for children aged 4 months through 5 years is reviewed and factors involved in serving children with specific handicapping conditions are examined. The importance of viewing children from a developmental perspective is stressed. Among issues discussed are determining program needs for children with…

Suggests music activities for preschool and kindergarten classes that are especially suited for the nonmusical teacher. (Author/RH)

Discusses enhancing the development and improving the quality of life of neglected children through acquiring a special understanding and style of interacting with them and by using activities designed specifically to meet their developmental needs. (RH)

Dimensions of a rich and nurturing learning climate for the early childhood years are discussed. Contents focus on: (1) the early childhood scene; (2) the teacher's role in creating a positive learning climate; (3) the transition from home to school during the first few days of school; (4) the outdoor classroom; (5) school climate and staff…

Provides practical ideas for developing productive and agreeable parent/teacher relationships. (RH)

Focuses on services, information, and practices which directly affect child rearing and provides guiding principles which can be used by those who work with parents. (MP)

The paper examines ways in which classroom design and early childhood curriculum interact to ease the integration of handicapped children into a day care program. General principles of environmental design are addressed, and an example of the Northwest Center's Child Development program is cited to illustrate components of the environment. Ten…

Intended for teachers of the gifted, talented, and/or creative child, the article stresses the importance of death education for young children. (SBH)

This practical guidebook aims to show preschool, kindergarten, and primary teachers how to refine their literacy evaluation practices through careful "kidwatching." By observing and recording children's literacy development, teachers also develop new understandings of the ways children think and learn. Ultimately, through kidwatching,…

This brochure is intended to be a useful tool for assessing students' development along a continuum of oral language growth as well as for providing information about the competencies that students are expected to learn in preschool and first grade. On the continuum in the brochure, descriptors list specific behaviors that detail students'…

Suggests guidelines for selecting and using picture books exploring emotionally charged issues to help attain therapeutic goals and/or to foster an emotionally enriching classroom experience. (RH)