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…

"Family Connections 1" consists of 30 four-page issues for families of children aged 3-5 years. Each issue begins with a front-page message to families on such topics as parents as first teachers or how children learn through play. Issues also feature activities for families to do together and selections to read aloud to children. A…

Investigates differences in attitudes toward children and parents among nursery nurses and teachers in three combined nursery centers, three nursery schools, and six day nurseries. Differences between the professional groups were found. (RH)

Describes social problem-solving programs for withdrawn and hyperactive children within a school context developed and implemented in a day care center, a Montessori nursery school, a Catholic elementary school, and a Catholic high school. Program implementation and some of the effects on the consultative relationship are also presented. (Author)

Examined beliefs and practices of Korean early childhood teachers. Found that public kindergarten teachers had more academic preparation and teaching experience and reported implementing more appropriate and fewer inappropriate teaching practices than other teachers. Child caregivers used more inappropriate teaching strategies than public or…

Project STIP (Supported Transition to Integrated Preschools) implemented a teacher consulting model to increase integration opportunities for preschool children with disabilities being served in self-contained public school classrooms. Parents and preschool regular educators evaluated the model positively and indicated that collaboration with the…

Discusses results of a project that used video segments from "Sesame Street" to identify media design and presentation features that facilitate the acceptance and use of video materials by preschool special education teachers. Integration of the video segments into classroom activities is also discussed. (Contains 12 references.) (LRW)

This Colorado study of practices in infant and toddler programs (ages 0-4) involved a review of 53 individual family service plans (IFSPs) and perceptions of 44 parents and 51 professionals concerning family-centered practices. IFSPs were found to be primarily child-centered, and urban and rural differences were determined. (Author/SW)

This study surveyed 100 parents and teachers to assess frequency and patterns of accidents among preschool children. Inappropriate uses of toys and other materials; falling due to ice, water, or objects underfoot; slipping in the bathtub; and inappropriate response to strangers were identified as common causes of accidents. Implications for the…

Investigated perceptions of child care staff and parents using child care services. Argues that early childhood care performs educational, cultural transmission, and child welfare functions, and that current debates limit the development of services that meet family and community needs. Urges new discourses that could facilitate more responsive…

The Purdue Shyness Rating Scales were completed by 67 mothers and 21 day care teachers of 67 children, ages 4 and 5, to compare mothers' and teachers' ratings of children's shyness. Moderate correlations between ratings by mothers and teachers were found. Results suggested that teacher assessments of shyness may be closely tied to the child's…

A survey questioned 22 early childhood professionals, 10 parents of preschoolers with disabilities, and 20 parents of typical preschoolers on inclusion at the beginning and end of a school year. Both parents and educators were concerned about general educators' preparation to meet the needs of children with complex special needs. (Contains…

Investigated beliefs of preschool teachers from Head Start, public school, and special education programs concerning the importance of developmental skills and abilities in three domains of early functioning: social-emotional, language and literacy, and early math. Found that teachers from all three groups, but especially special education…

The Wheelock College (MA) Family Child Care Project conducted 23 focus discussions of parents' child care experiences. Participants were groups of 8 to 12 parents in 9 U.S. cities. These groups were equal in their use of family child care (either in the provider's home, or in child care centers and preschools). This document presents a thematic…

This practicum report describes development of a system of family support services for 56 parents of preschool handicapped children (ages birth to 3) in an early intervention setting. A preliminary survey was administered to determine family needs. A family support group was then developed which met monthly for fellowship, networking, work…