This issue paper describes the reasons service-learning is used in preservice teacher education, examines challenges to its use and strategies for success, and presents examples of successful programs. The paper offers suggestions and resources to assist P-12 school systems and education leaders in making policy decisions that will maximize…

This paper documents the background of a curriculum framework, the Foundation Areas of Learning, for children from birth to age 3 in South Australia. The paper examines some of the dilemmas in creating such a framework and some of the rewards as the system coped with the challenge of including its youngest learners in a clearly articulated…

This document is comprised of six technical reports detailing the methods and findings of the first major study in the United Kingdom to focus on the effectiveness of early years education. The Effective Provision of Pre-School Education Project (EPPE) studies the progress and development of 3,000 children in various types of preschool and…

Describes a feasibility study in which pre-school deaf children were taught some science concepts to help increase their language development. Some evaluation data are reported. (AL)

Describes and evaluates the ESEA Title I program in Granite City (Illinois) target area schools which provide preschool classes, remedial reading, and supportive health and counseling services. The programs are considered to be efficient. (DM)

Describes the use of the microcomputer to teach reading readiness skills to three- and four-year-old children at the North Texas State University Nursery School. (JJD)

Describes project SWING (Starting With Individual Growth), a comprehensive preschool education program for children at risk of a wide range of learning or social difficulties. (Author/RH)

Early intervention programs are very diverse in clientele served, ages served, staffing, focus of services, location of service, length of service, agencies responsible, and funding. The Early Intervention Research Institute at Utah State University is investigating the efficacy of early intervention programs; 13 of its ongoing longitudinal…

Reviews research on the use of sociodramatic play in developing preschool literacy skills, outlines the development of play centers which can be used to facilitate literacy development, and offers practical suggestions for acquiring the materials needed for the construction of such centers in preschool classrooms and facilities. (MDM)

Compared 295 Head Start home visiting programs to 117 other home visiting programs serving families with young children. Found that Head Start programs tend to emphasize social-emotional development, whereas non-Head Start programs, which are mostly associated with public education, emphasize cognitive development. (MDM)

Brief articles report on eight programs, primarily developed by residential schools for individuals with blindness and visual impairments. The articles describe the Council of Schools for the Blind, the Michigan School for the Blind, precane mobility devices, drug education for teenagers, disability awareness, rural service delivery, parent/infant…

Provides an overview of past and present early childhood education in the Czech Republic and describes current kindergarten programs. Discusses recent issues, such as decentralization of kindergarten, changing kindergarten curricula, inclusion of special needs children, options for kindergarten programs, and parent involvement. Concludes by noting…

Notes that mental health services have been a weak link in Head Start. Addresses the need to enhance mental health services by describing a successful, innovative university-Head Start partnership. Describes the model and provides advice for Head Start programs to expand and enhance their mental health services. (SD)

Describes the creation, content, and implementation of SALSA, a program developed to provide elementary school students in pre-kindergarten through second grade with their first experience with Spanish language and culture. After a short introduction in English, SALSA uses only Spanish for instruction. (Author/VWL)