This Child Development Associate (CDA) training module, the seventh in a series of 16, provides an introduction to cognitive development in young children for bilingual/bicultural preschool teacher trainees. Perceptual skills (visual, figure-ground, part-whole, spatial, auditory and tactile discrimination) and cognitive processes and concepts…

This volume, the second in a series of seven, contains the four learning modules which focus on the first Child Development Associate (CDA) competency (setting up and maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment) in the performance based curriculum of the Texas A & I Bilingual Bicultural Child Development Associate Training Program. The…

This book contains papers and speeches presented at the 14th National Conference of the Australian Preschool Association held in Melbourne in May 1976. Topics discussed include early childhood education, handicapped children, parental involvement in education, evaluating preschool programs, day care, teaching young children, interdisciplinary…

This paper presents the results of a study on the transition between preschool and school programs, focusing on early intervention programs for special needs children in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, and presents recommendations for policy makers in regard to transition programs in NSW. The study was based on a survey of 45 early childhood…

This book is designed to provide child caregivers with a structured framework for guiding the behavior of young children in a manner that respects individual differences, builds healthy self esteem, and develops responsibility while allowing the caregiver to maintain limits and supervisory control. Section 1 of the guide offers a framework for…

The Illinois Early Learning Standards were developed by the Illinois State Board of Education with the assistance of hundreds of educators. The goal of the standards is to provide teachers and caregivers useful information that is directly needed as part of their daily classroom work. Based on comments from educators, parents, and various experts…

Considers 3- to 6-year-olds' work cycle, looking first to the Montessori concept of normalization, manifest as increasing depth of concentration. Offers guidelines for a "protected lesson," designed to foster independence. Discusses interest and purpose as the basis for work, work "curves," control of error, presentation…

Cites examples of the difficulties of parent partnerships for child care teachers and presents suggestions for creating successful relationships between parent and child care worker. Suggests that an understanding of parental roles and insecurities, teacher insecurities, and predictably difficult issues can assist new teachers in creating…

This study examined the use of science professors acting as mentors to enhance the science competency of early childhood educators. Findings indicate that mentor-mentee dyad interactions varied; however, mentors were able to assist with curriculum, science content, and resources. Although standards-based units were developed, there was little…

This practicum identified the problem of inconsistent use of developmentally appropriate practices by staff in an early childhood center and implemented an inservice program to increase the use of activities based on individual appropriateness rather than on age alone. The solution strategy utilized a self-assessment survey of classroom practices…

This 1996 national survey tracked state efforts to create comprehensive career development and training systems for practitioners working in early care and education settings. Mail surveys were sent to 250 key informants and leaders nationwide. Part 1, "Introduction," states the goals of the study. Part 2, "Waves of Change,"…

Young children may experience stress and emotional problems in reaction to natural and other disasters. This brochure presents a number of strategies for teachers and caregivers to use to help children cope with this stress. These strategies include: (1) providing reassurance and physical comfort; (2) being aware of separation anxiety; (3)…

Based on observations, interviews, and review of videotapes with teachers, this book examines why developmentally appropriate practice is difficult to construct in early childhood settings. It focuses particularly on some teachers' simultaneous allegiance to two contradictory frameworks of practice, termed developmentally appropriate practice and…

Expanding on previous collections, this book compiles 16 essays on pedagogical and child development issues stimulated by interaction with teachers, child caregivers, and early childhood teacher educators during the preceding 20 years. The essays were written in response and reaction to particular educational events or contexts that were…

Discussion focuses on teachers' beliefs and values as they relate to working with young children. Specific attention is given to (1) whether the reported blurring of the boundaries between child-life and adult-life has affected the education of young children; (2) parental pressure to provide very young children with persistently optimal…