Among the various age groups in early childhood programs, toddlers seem the most challenging for teachers to work with. Toddlers are often viewed as oppositional, clingy, whiny, prone to tantrums, untrustworthy, and exasperating. The author believes that these characterizations insert unnecessary negativity into the spirits of toddlers and…

The policy brief "Ethnographic Knowledge for Early Childhood" details the contributions of current ethnographic research in the area of early childhood education. The brief's main purpose is to demonstrate how ethnography (as a methodology) helps us better understand the context of early childhood programs, the types of settings and…

Childcare workers play a significant role in the learning and development of children in their care. This has major implications for the training of workers. Under new reforms of the childcare industry, the Australian government now requires all workers to obtain qualifications from a vocational education and training provider (e.g. Technical and…

Forty-nine caregivers in eight daycare centres were interviewed about their daycare experiences, their own childcare decisions and practices, and their views of how their profession is perceived by society. Results suggest that: caregivers comment positively on the process elements of their work, such as their enjoyment and love of children, and…

An estimated 30 to 40 percent of child care professionals leave the field, often due to burnout arising from some combination of long hours, isolation, low pay, and lack of respect. With humor and empathy, "Finding Your Smile Again" provides dozens of proven techniques for coping with stressful situations and diagnosing and preventing burnout. A…

Caring is the core value that empowers families and early childhood professionals. This article articulates the meaning and power of caring in the lives of children and families. It also explores family, professional, and community strategies for creating caring and nurturing children and families. In particular, insights that show that caring is…

Family, friend, and neighbor (FFN) care is defined as regular, nonparental care provided by other than a licensed center, program, or family child care home. This study examined characteristics of Washington state children in FFN care, the characteristics and training of FFN caregivers, and views of policymakers and professionals regarding FFN…

Examined family day care providers' attitudes regarding appropriate skills, quality care, and their professional status. Found that providers possessed a good understanding of their total role in relation to what constitutes quality care and requisite skills for such care. Most perceived their role in professional terms, although the need for…

Describes the steps to increasing levels of teacher involvement in child advocacy. Steps range from "dreamer" with a vision of a better condition, to "volunteer" who gives time and energy without compensation, to "fighter" who uses conflict and dissension to achieve goals. Suggests that this simple continuum encourages teachers to become involved…

Examined the concept of quality care from the perspectives of parents, child care workers and supervisors. Subjects rated 11 aspects of child care provision. Found both similarities and differences in perception of quality care from the three groups, with the largest differences having to do with administration, staff qualifications, staff-parent…

Observed 81 caregivers from 24 urban centers interacting with 3- to 5-year olds. Interactions were categorized into negative/positive, language facilitation, concept promotion, and caregiving and cleaning-up domains. When all positive teacher interactions were combined, found that early childhood education/child development coursework accounted…

Surveyed day-care workers on effects of accreditation. Most respondents agreed that accreditation ensures high-quality care but they found the process difficult, mainly due to time constraints. Work conditions had not changed for half; half did not agree with the staff-child ratio; and three-quarters were not satisfied with their awards and wanted…

Examined family day care providers' views on training. Found that some providers view family day care as a professional service requiring training and providing a career path, whereas others view their services as an extension of their own home duties and oppose formalization of family day care through training. However, pay and status concerns…

Considers how to deal with an ethical dilemma concerning a caregiver's dislike for a child. Recognizes that no statement in NAEYC's Code of Ethical Conduct requires that a professional must like each child, and presents some ideals and principles from the code that may guide professionals through similar situations. (BAC)

Presents 10 ways child caregivers can provide themselves with opportunities to develop positive attitudes and improve relationships. Includes visualizing possibilities, setting goals and learning to plan, including personal recreation, finding a mentor, joining a professional organization, keeping a journal, volunteering, striving for balance, and…