Experiences in the natural world help children understand life cycles and seasons, make prediction and become aware of the interdependence between plants, animals, and elements like rain and sun. Early childhood is a critical time to support children's connections to the natural world because young children are naturally curious and there is so…

In a university lab preschool, teachers initiated a curriculum development approach using child-centered webbing. The authors look at problems early childhood education students encountered in implementing the approach at the school, including incorporating early learning standards into the planning while keeping the focus on the child. The…

The challenge is ever present for NAEYC's chapter Affiliates to find new members who want to make a commitment to the organization and to have fresh, innovative ideas that will sustain local groups. Involving undergraduates in local Affiliates contributes to preparing the next generation of leaders, a necessary strategy for preserving and…

Presents a case study of innovative program development in early childhood education at an American university. Program history, organizational structure, and goals are outlined as they relate to social and economic demands. (BJD)

Discusses six hypothetical phases through which students progress during their student teaching experiences. These phases are described in terms of the students' feelings concerning their own performance and teaching in general. Implications for teacher education are presented. (BD)

A simulation design to help undergraduates link theory with practice as they explore curriculum models in depth, then incorporate components from each in developing their own model. (MS)

Delineates newly released revised standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children for college and university programs that prepare early childhood professionals. Describes the standards revision process and offers highlights of the revised standards. Suggests that challenges to meeting standards relate to access,…

Describes the procedures and effort a group of early childhood students and their professors used to obtain funding to attend the National Association for the Education of Young Children annual conference. Discusses the reasons for attending the conference, problems encountered, fund-raising efforts, and the benefits of conference attendance from…

Relates Vygotsky's concept of zone of proximal development to a fishing story, thereby providing a scaffold allowing preservice students to better understand the educational concept. Concludes that educators should use the right bait (determined by how engaged children are), technique, and progress at the right pace (evidenced by children's…

Reports the results of a 1984 survey that examined the status and nature of computer literacy in 121 early childhood education teacher education programs. (HOD)

Proposes a four-phase model to promote ethical literacy among preservice and practicing early childhood teachers: awareness, differentiation, analysis of ethical dilemmas, and application of the NAEYC Code in daily practice. Includes a sample case for ethics discussion. Each phase includes a rationale, common myths about professional ethics, and…

This position statement of the Association of Teacher Educators and the National Association for the Education of Young Children offers teacher educators and policymakers guidelines for ensuring that all children from birth through eight years of age and their families have access to qualified early childhood teachers. (BB)

Offers two perspectives on starting science programs for children and teachers. The first perspective concerns the development of a science camp for young children. The second describes ways in which teachers bring about conceptual changes in the science education curriculum. Essential requirements for becoming science teachers are considered. (BB)

Examines experiences of undergraduate students and newly hired beginning preschool teachers as they learn about teaching and working with young children through an early childhood education course. Suggests ways in which experienced or supervising teachers and directors can help new teachers. (BB)

The Martin Community School Cradle School Project served children in low-income families with the goals of involving parents early in their child's education and establishing communication. Challenges included establishing trust and increasing parent and school personnel awareness of demands on university research faculty. Outcomes included…