In an effort to determine whether intelligence and school readiness could be estimated from observin g behavior and if middle class Head Start teachers ranked highly those pupils whose behavior resembled middle class behavior, the behavior patterns of 36 Head Start pupils were compared with their teachers' ranking of perceived intelligence and…

This summary on studies on preschool intervention through social learning indicate that a child's mode of orientation and his general level of competence and maturity are, in large part, derived from his social environment. To the extent that specific aspects of that environment can be identified as significant antecedents to behavioral…

Besides a change in the expectations of parents, other shifts are occurring in society that impact the youngest children (Bowman, Donovan, & Burns, 2000): (1) More women are in the workforce than ever before, which means more children are in child care or preschool; (2) There is increasing evidence of, and conviction from educators, that preschool…

Scientists who study how the brain works have shown that children learn earlier--and learn more--than we once thought possible. From birth through age 5, children are developing the language, thinking, physical, emotional and social skills that they will need for the rest of their lives. This booklet is for families and caregivers who want to help…

Starting school is a milestone in a child's life. This booklet for New Zealand parents and caregivers offers guidelines for making the transition to school a positive experience. The topics discussed include: (1) selecting a school; (2) visiting the school; (3) enrolling children in school; (4) the initial adjustment; (5) clothes and schoolbags;…

Prekindergarten students (n=1,137) in an ethnically and socioeconomically diverse urban public school took a kindergarten diagnostic assessment in September prior to entry into the regular kindergarten program. The assessment was a pilot version of a longer instrument that had been used at the school for several years. Results were used for…

Smart Start is North Carolina's model early childhood initiative to help all North Carolina children enter school healthy and prepared for success. Serving all 100 counties in the state, Smart Start's services include child care subsidies and health and family support services. This report describes the program, focusing on its impact on the…

Based on the view that parents' role in their young children's learning must be viewed within the context of families' changing needs and the communities in which they live, this guide explores how staff in early years settings can further develop communication and contact with parents. The guide is designed for promoting greater understanding of…

School readiness problems of disadvantaged children include: the failure of preschool and parent training programs; restricted learning environments and motivational problems; mothers with low intelligence and verbal skills; and a need for comprehensive family rehabilitation. The school psychologist's role in early screening and in fostering…

Presents views conveyed to Pennsylvania's State Board of Education about what has been learned from poor and quality practices in early childhood education, and how to apply that knowledge to ensure the best education for young children. Recommends public school classes for preschool-aged children to prevent or remediate environmental and…

Examined the effects of gender, attendance period, and age on 820 children's adjustment to nursery classes. Found that boys and afternoon attenders appeared to be less well adjusted to school than girls and morning attenders, and older children appeared better adjusted than the younger children. Results suggest strategies to help children adjust…

Discusses five major issues raised by the papers in this special issue. Also considers curriculum and conceptual issues not dealt with in the issue. Describes the need for a combination of education and care, or "educare," in early childhood programs. (BG)

This research study evaluated the efficacy of the "Bracken Basic Concept Scale-Revised" (BBCS-R; Bracken, 1998) and the "Bracken Concept Development Program" (BCDP; Bracken, 1986a) in a test-teach-test paradigm with students from a Head Start program. Prior to the intervention, 54 children were administered the BBCS-R and were…

A study traced the experiences of Australian working families as their children started formal schooling. Each family faced the prospect of moving their child or children from the intimate environment of a child care center that operated from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. to a large elementary school with a 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. school day. The study focused on:…

In order to provide data to help schools respond to the diversity in the backgrounds and educational needs of children entering school, a U.S. Department of Education study asked parents of 3- to 5-year-old children who had not yet started kindergarten about their children's accomplishments that indicated emerging literacy and numeracy skills and…