This study aimed to identify the characteristics of parents of children with and without disabilities whose young children attend an inclusive, early childhood education program that influence their perceptions of inclusion and inclusive preschool programs. Participants included parents of preschool children without disabilities (n=64) and parents…

Social competence is seen as a critical aspect of academic and social success; however, the construct is often minimized to a set of social skills or the absence of negative behaviors. The current study aims to broaden the understanding of social competence by incorporating the factors associated with the development of social competence and the…

Many child care centers temporarily move children and teachers in and out of their assigned classrooms throughout the day. Such practices create frequent discontinuity in children's experiences in child care, including discontinuity in their peer and teacher relationships. This study examined the prevalence and patterns of teacher and child…

At one of the first preschools the author taught at after graduating from college, every classroom environment stayed the same from year to year. Whatever furniture was in the classroom when a new teacher moved in stayed there, and the furniture never moved around the classroom. The classroom materials rarely changed. Change was not valued.…

The 2020 Census risks undercounting thousands of young Colorado children, depriving communities of federal funding and political representation for the next decade. Children under age 5 are more likely to be missed by the census than any other age group, with children of color, non-English speakers, and kids living in high poverty communities at…

Over time children's educational television has successfully modified programming to incorporate research-based strategies to facilitate learning and engagement during viewing. However, research has been limited on whether these same strategies would work with preschool deaf children viewing videos in American Sign Language. In a descriptive…

Colorado has seen a growing gap in the achievement of poor and low-income students compared to their more affluent peers. A widening achievement gap has short- and long-term implications for children, as well as the state. Research suggests that high-quality early childhood programs are an effective way to reduce or even eliminate achievement…

In response to concerns about children's eating behaviors, the Colorado Nutrition Network developed and tested Food Friends--Making New Foods Fun for Kids. The program was designed as a 12-week social marketing campaign aimed at encouraging preschool-age children to try new foods, such as Ugli Fruit, couscous, and daikon radish. Tasting novel…

The author presents the results of a study conducted to determine the extent of public-school-district-financed, prekindergarten programs; the types of children enrolled in these programs; and the types of teaching certificates required of teachers for these programs. (MB)

The Colorado Quality Standards for Early Childhood Care and Education Services outline and describe quality practices in early childhood programs. The standards support a high quality learning environment and encourage the effective and efficient use of public and private resources to meet children's needs. This videotape and discussion guide are…

THE CURRICULUM AND MATERIALS DESIRED IN A PRESCHOOL ARE PRESENTED IN THIS GUIDEBOOK, AS WELL AS A DISCUSSION OF THE EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES WHICH SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN PROGRAMS FOR 2-, 3-, 4-, OR 5-YEAR-OLD CHILDREN. THE AUTHORS PROVIDE SCHEMATIC DIAGRAMS OF LEARNING EQUIPMENT, INCLUDING THE NECESSARY BUILDING, HOUSEKEEPING, AND TRANSPORTATION.…

This brochure provides information on autism to enable Colorado parents and educators to recognize early symptoms in young children and to provide for early intervention. Sections of the brochure address: (1) the different types of autism; (2) basic facts about autism; (3) early indicators of autism; (4) the spectrum of autism; (5) how autism is…

Examined the extent to which preschool inclusion practices were evident in diverse communities, and identified the child, maternal, and service-provider characteristics that significantly related to such practices. Found that the paradigm shift away from intensive, segregated educational programs toward fully inclusive, community-based programs…

The First Impressions initiative was created in 1987 by Governor Roy Romer of Colorado to increase public awareness of the critical importance of the first 5 years of life, assist communities in developing effective programs for young children and their families, and influence early childhood policy and practice. In 1991-92, the priorities of…

The Colorado Preschool Program (CPP) serves at-risk preschool children in community programs, including Head Start programs, private for-profit programs, non-profit programs, and programs within public schools. This report to the Colorado legislature provides information on participation in the program, collaborations of CPP with other early…