Noting that parents have the opportunity to help their young children build a strong foundation for learning, this book shows parents of 3- to 5-year-olds how to make learning and discovery fun while developing attributes such as competence and curiosity. The book contains 600 creative and low-cost activities, based on the work sampling system,…

Staff members working in early childhood services have enormous potential to influence young children's developing attitudes toward cultural diversity and gender equity. This issue of the Australian Early Childhood Association Research in Practice Series focuses on how early childhood staff can work productively through the challenges of achieving…

This paper reports on a case study of four African American hearing parents who participated in an intervention project involving reading story books to their deaf/hard-of-hearing (hh) young children. The study included the utilization of: (1) research-based literacy strategies for both hearing and deaf/hh children; (2) African-American cultural…

Based on findings of the Home-School Study of Language and Literacy Development, this book examines the relationship between early parent-child and teacher-child interactions and children's kindergarten language and literacy skills. Participating in the study were more than 70 young children from diverse backgrounds whose home and school…

This publication is comprised of the two 1999 issues of "News and Issues," a newsletter devoted to identifying and promoting strategies to reduce the young child poverty rate, and to improve the life chances of children still living in poverty. The Winter/Spring issue includes the following articles: (1) "Innovative Strategies Help…

Features a self-quiz on school readiness introducing the skills children need to succeed in school. Discusses the caregiver's and teacher's role in creating an environment where children can develop the necessary traits of independence, compassion, trust, creativity, self-control, and perseverance. Delineates how these readiness skills also…

The Martin Community School Cradle School Project served children in low-income families with the goals of involving parents early in their child's education and establishing communication. Challenges included establishing trust and increasing parent and school personnel awareness of demands on university research faculty. Outcomes included…

This study examined the effects of child day care, evening care, and night care on the development and adaptation of young children in Japan. Caregivers completed a survey on the home childrearing environment, their feelings of self-efficacy, and the presence of child care support. Results of the discriminant analysis indicated that factors in the…

Presents four articles discussing methods and activities that can help early childhood educators meet the demands of children with special needs. Suggests that helping those children participate in the center's activities can facilitate their social and cognitive development and support their inclusion in society. Creating the appropriate…

A special section containing four articles examines the development of self-image in young children. Suggests that child-care professionals play a vital role in the early development of children's strong and positive self-image. Describes practices that can promote image-building and underscores how the development of strong self-image is also…

Interviews 40 British parents and their children's nursery school teachers, concerning parental involvement in children's preschool reading and writing. Reveals parents frequently assist and direct their children in language arts activities but do not feel confident and teachers expressed doubts about parental interest. Shows need for greater…

Illustrates how the Reggio Emilia (Italy) Approach to learning uses classroom projects to provide valuable learning experiences to young children. Suggests how certain aspects of the Reggio Emilia approach of classroom project work may be applied to teaching and learning strategies in the United States. (BB)

Addresses two questions concerning whole language teaching to young children: (1) What is whole language? (2) What experiences are appropriate for whole language teaching? (BB)

Discusses ways for early childhood professionals to meet the objectives contained in the first of the National Education Goals for the Year 2000: the goal concerning readiness for school. (BB)

Provides statistical data and state rankings related to day-care center enrollment and financial support. Includes data on population, state expenditures, child care, corporal punishment, poverty, working parents, family income, single parent families, teen births, church-operated centers, and educational attainment. (PAM)