This volume reflects some of the disciplinary and interdisciplinary diversity found in the study of programs for young children, and its chapters cover a number of matters central to early childhood development and practice, including preparation for practice. The book has 11 chapters divided into 4 parts that cover family and community, adults…

Noting that staff guidance is an integral part of successful program administration, child- and youth-care administrators should understand the developmental level of the workers within the setting, note that workers' behavior may be attributed to individual traits or developmental characteristics, and understand that their reactions to workers'…

This book describes the results of film study of every day events in day care. It focuses on teacher and child behavior as they interact at meals, naps, and play, and proposes that minute examination of what actually happens to children in specific situations is necessary to identify the kinds of positive behaviors caregivers want to build on, as…

In the research discussed in this paper, two major dimensions of social-emotional competence are identified, which are labeled Interest/Participation versus Apathy/Withdrawal, and Cooperation/Compliance versus Anger/Defiance. There is evidence of two environmental dimensions which set the stage for the two dimensions of social-emotional…

The implications of developmentally and culturally appropriate practice for early childhood education are explored from the context of selections from classroom journals and personal narratives of 30 early childhood educators. The ability of developmentally appropriate practice to respond to cultural diversity is discussed. (LB)

This practicum report describes an intervention designed to increase opportunities for children in a day care center and preschool to practice gross motor skills, and to help teachers gain confidence in their ability to foster children's maturation. It was expected that as a result of the intervention, 50 of 70 children would participate in gross…

The purpose of this study was to examine the verbal behavior, knowledge and attitudes of day care teachers and to note the interrelationships of these factors. In order to accomplish this purpose data was collected from 53 randomly selected teachers from 20 randomly selected day care centers in Delaware. (Editor)

Reviews research on biting among children in child care settings. Reports a study examining procedures established to handle biting by child care facilities in a southeastern state, which found that 60% of respondents (n=326) handled biting incidents, but only one third reported a policy on biting. Fewer than 3% understood the developmental nature…

The relationship to first grade ability and achievement levels of children with day-care attendance for as long as five years prior to entry into the first grade was studied. In particular, the study was concerned with the potentially harmful effects of prolonged program attendance itself as a form of maternal separation rather than with speed and…

Examines caregiver attitudes toward toddler conflict and considers ways to facilitate conflict resolution to promote toddler growth, learning, and social development. Suggests that the ways caregivers intervene often do not promote resolution between children. Presents prevention and intervention strategies and discusses implications for practice…

A total of 360 child care workers from licensed facilities were surveyed regarding their perceptions of the occupational worth of various child care jobs. Respondents were family and group day care providers, and day care center, Head Start, and nursery school teachers. Overall, these child care workers differed in the ways they perceived what…

A self-administered rating scale and an observational schedule were developed to assess the beliefs and behaviors of early childhood teachers in relation to constructs derived from Piagetian cognitive developmental theory and operant learning theory. Application was made to existent Piegetian and operant model early education programs. The results…

A study examined the ethical dilemmas faced by Australian early childhood professionals. Data were obtained from responses to a questionnaire mailed to 25 preschool centers and 25 child care centers in Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and the Northern Territory. Of 300 questionnaires mailed, a total of 99…

Although it has always been considered the "poor relation" of early childhood education, day care in the public schools is the most effective way of establishing a continuity between the preschool and the elementary school. The Kramer Model of "extended day school" is a cooperative venture between a college and a public school. (JN)

Maintains that center directors can help teachers increase their professional competence by helping them examine their belief systems. Describes the use of an assessment tool designed to help teachers reflect on their role in the classroom and their attitudes and beliefs about children and parents. (SM)