The handbook for persons working with deaf blind children in residential settings includes general suggestions, specific teaching activities, and an introduction to sign language. The book is based on the John Tracy Clinic Correspondence Learning Program for Parents of Preschool Deaf Blind Children. General suggestions are provided for topics such…

The intent of this study was to examine the development of three aspects of preschoolers' private speech: coefficients of egocentricism, the extent to which speech regulates actions, and the syntactic and semantic structures of individual utterances. Forty-one randomly chosen preschoolers (26 females, 15 males) were placed in three age groups (3,…

This study investigated the relationship between cognitive style and the use of play areas in the nursery school. The participants were 28 preschool children (13 girls and 15 boys) attending the Laboratory Nursery School at the University of California at Davis. Each child was observed for 12 one-hour sessions over a 10-week period. A time…

Three mothers of handicapped children were taught to imitate their child's behavior; subsequently the number of mands displayed by the mothers during play sessions were measured. Results showed increases in the percentage of sample intervals during which mothers imitated their children and showed that, as imitations increased, mands decreased.…

Caring for infants and toddlers has long been conceptualized in Western society as mothers' work, and consequently devalued. Alternative care for infants and toddlers has lacked a knowledge base like that undergirding preschool education. Factors impeding research on infant/toddler care include strong ideological opposition to nonmaternal care,…

Young children's curiosity about nature and their need to make sense of the world presents an opportunity to incorporate science as a natural and critical part of children's early learning. This guide, part of a preschool science curriculum, uses an inquiry approach to encourage young naturalists to observe life more closely, build an…

This document consists of 10 monthly newsletter issues for 2001, in English and Spanish language versions, exploring topics related to early childhood behavior and parenting. Regularly appearing features include book recommendations, "Library Resources,""Preschoolers in the Kitchen,""Kids Crafts,""Research…

Noting that all parents can help their baby's brain to grow, this guide, in English- and Spanish-language versions, explores what science has learned about infant brain development and how parents and caregivers can influence cognitive development. Topics covered include: prenatal care, touching your baby, teaching about feelings and self-control,…

The Integrated Preschool Curriculum (IPC), which is designed to facilitate the social integration of young children at risk for learning disabilities into mainstreaming and integrated special education classes, was compared with a standard early childhood education model curriculum. The IPC successfully promoted social interaction between…

Analyzed free play of 24 preschoolers (3 to 4 years old), half of whom had disabilities. Found that the proportions of time that each child spent interacting with peers and with adults were negatively correlated for 21 of the children. After an adult had initiated an interaction with them, children were less likely to initiate interaction with a…

Examined the types of play and social interactions in which nine preschoolers with disabilities engaged while at their chosen learning/activity centers in an inclusive program. Found individual differences in the amount of time spent in various centers, the number of different types of play engaged in, and in the amount of time spent in play of…

A study evaluated a program for training two preschool educators to promote cooperative participation between preschoolers with and without disabilities. The training program consisted of viewing examples of how to promote and praise cooperative participation, along with specific instructions and on-the-job feedback. Instruction resulted in…

Investigation of the social preferences of typically developing children (N=40) toward peers (N=19) with special needs in inclusive preschool classrooms found the children with special needs received few positive playmate preference nominations, but did not receive a significant number of negative nominations. Children were disliked if they were…

Argues that playgrounds must provide all children with opportunities for physical, social, constructive, dramatic, and game play. Suggests that considerations include playground regulations, safety, age appropriate areas, accommodation of children with physical disabilities, materials selection, construction, available manufactured play equipment,…

Asserts that it is through play with materials and relationships, invention of classification systems, and solving problems in dialogue with others that young children develop the basic skills they will need to become effective contributors to the health of a changing world. Offers suggestions for teaching children play skills by providing…