This paper describes the efforts of a geographically isolated school district in Alaska to develop an outcome-based curriculum for preschool through 12th grade. In 1986, the new assistant superintendent for instruction introduced the idea of a district-wide outcome-based curriculum. The first curricular area selected for development was a…

Noting that men make up only a small percentage of early childhood and day care educators, a study was conducted to assess male teachers' points of view and attitudes. The self- and social-perceptions of 5 male preschool teachers between the ages of 22 and 50 were determined through ethnographic interviews. It was found that, as a group, the male…

Urges the preschool teacher to assume the role of mental health counselor by working closely with parents. Suggests ways to deal with normal childrearing situations and with crises involving death, illness or surgery, and separation or divorce. Briefly discusses the nursery school's handling of children with psychological problems. (BRT)

This program description of a basic educational skills (BES) project located on the Cheyenne River Indian reservation in the town of Eagle Butte, South Dakota, discusses four components of the BES program. The introductory chapter indicates features of Indian life and their relationship to the educational program. For example, Cheyenne Indian…

The effects of a preschool experience on the performance levels of 151 trainable mentally retarded (TMR) 9-11 year old children, teacher attitudes, and parent attitudes were examined. Three years of longitudinal performance data were investigated with a repeated measures ANOVA design, and 42 instructional variables and their relationships to child…

The purpose of this study was to assess the importance of teacher attitudes, maternal attitudes, and traditional versus Montessori nursery school training on the learning and achievement of the preschool child. Eighty-two middle class children and thirty-eight disadvantaged children who attended either Montessori or traditional preschools…

The problems of diagnosis and prognosis of mental retardation are discussed and include the doctor parent interaction, its nature and consequences, and current outlooks as self-fulfilling prophecies. Aspects of educational programs treated are referral to available facilities, parent and child background, preschool programs, the retarded as…

The evaluations of the Summer Program and Phase II of Project C.H.I.L.D. are provided in this final report of the project. The objectives of the project were to: (1) improve the behavior of preschool children enrolled in the project; (2) increase the ability of teachers and parents to objectively evaluate the status and growth of children; (3)…

Symbolic nonimitative play, fantasy play, and functional play all have a place in the nursery school. This point is illustrated by a description of what happened when children in several French nursery school classes were presented with figurines modeled after cartoon characters of an American television show. (NH)

A survey revealed that early childhood teacher training students and postgraduates had similar responses to questions on perspectives, curriculum, social dimensions, and academic success. (EKN)

This article first examines what experts and research say about parent involvement and then discusses the attitudes, knowledge, and skills critical for professionals to work effectively with parents of the handicapped. The last section offers practical suggestions for launching a parent program. (Part of a theme issue on mainstreaming.)…

Relationships among the attitudes and perceptions of parents, teachers, and family support staff toward parental involvement in prekindergarten programs were studied with 47 parents of children identified as being at risk for later school failure. Focus groups identified factors that encourage or discourage parents from active participation.. (SLD)

Investigated parents' and staff opinions about parental participation in their child's preschool, including perceived available options for partnership. Found that parental needs for participation were largely satisfied by the opportunities offered in the play group sector but not in local authority and private nurseries. Found three areas in…

This New Jersey survey found that 67 teachers of preschool handicapped children were more stringent in their perceptions of the skills necessary for mainstreaming in kindergarten than were 63 kindergarten teachers. The survey also found that different instructional strategies were used by the two teacher groups. (Author/JDD)