This executive summary briefly outlines the methodology used and data collected in the National Survey of Head Start Supplementary Training/Child Development Associate (HSST/CDA) Competency Based Training Programs. (HSST/CDA training programs are intended to prepare Head Start classroom staff to meet the competency requirements of the CDA…

This study determined the relationships of field placement characteristics and students' potential field performance abilities to final clinical experience performance ratings of early childhood student teachers. The study also examined if there were differences in these relationships during successive field experiences. (FG)

The purpose of this article is to describe what could happen in the classroom when parents and teachers have differing expectations of children's behaviors. It also describes strategies designed to accommodate these differences. Differences in acquiring classroom skills can occur because of differing expectations based on children's individual…

The Personnel Preparation Curriculum is a collaborative consultative model for training professionals, including Head Start teachers, parents, and paraprofessionals, to work with families to address the educational needs of children. The activity-based model views families as being in charge, and professionals as partners with parents. Six…

A two-level training program was developed to help preschool teachers in Singapore upgrade their English teaching skills. At the first level, a core group of 20 teachers and 20 supervisors were trained in preparation, presentation, and participation stages. In the preparation stage, participants learned basic teaching skills required to foster the…

Research concerning the Child Development Associate (CDA) program at the Pennsylvania State University aims to define more carefully the characteristics of the adult learners enrolled in CDA training, delineate the characteristics and process of training, and broaden the scope of outcome variables studied. To address this third aim, a series of…

This study examined teacher characteristics influencing the frequency of computer use in preschool classrooms and explored the effectiveness of a 3-hour computer workshop emphasizing social collaboration at the computer on enhancing teacher perceptions. Participating in the study were 38 Head Start teachers and day care providers in rural Western…

The School Readiness Language Development Program (SRLDP) is one of several programs developed in response to a court order to racially integrate the Los Angeles Unified School District (California). The program, developed for schools with high proportions of minority students, includes oral language development opportunities for 4 year-olds, a…

This study describes the development and implementation of a comprehensive approach to computer technology training for early childhood teachers. Departing from the singular goal of conveying skills and knowledge, a comprehensive program targets the development of teachers' attitudes and practices as well as knowledge and skills. All 3 areas are…

A practicum was designed to increase the lines of positive and effective communication between parents and teachers in a preschool setting. Poor parent-teacher communication (due to lack of knowledge or experience) was documented. The program sought to improve communication regarding the child's developmental and personal progress. The 8-month…

This monograph describes a year-long, retraining program for East Cleveland kindergarten teachers that was based on teacher involvement in group discussions and curriculum improvement activities. The program was developed in order to provide, with no additional funds, an education to inner-city children that compared favorably with the education…

Eight preschool and primary school teachers participated in workshops on planning creative dance instruction. Four months after the workshops, all eight were using dance as an educational tool. Reasons for teachers' choice to use dance in the classroom are discussed. (MDM)

One of the most significant societal changes over the past few decades has been the growing number of women in the paid work force. As a direct result of this sociological phenomenon, childcare centres have been providing long day care for vastly increasing numbers of very young children. The speed of this change has created a societal dilemma…

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the impact upon a group of ten early childhood inservice educators of a collaborative professional development course in early literacy development presented using the tools of narrative and reflection. The study considered impact in terms of teachers' beliefs, values, practice, and sense of…

A survey was conducted in Scotland's Lothian region to ascertain views on education provision for children under age 5. Subjects were over 400 nursery nurses, more than 1,100 parents, and staff members, at 175 nursery schools. The research questions covered six areas: (1) background information on parents and children; (2) benefits of nursery…