Although children who live in environments of violence and poverty are frequently the subjects of psychoanalysis, much less attention is given to the fears and anxieties of children from more fortunate families. In the case of one San Francisco Bay Area school, the two head teachers in the kindergarten class were going to be absent for two…

This study was designed to identify some of the individual physical features of the mother that promote adaptive responding of 2-year-old children in a novel environment. Previous studies have suggested that any ambiguous stimulus configuration might be effective if the child can be led to perceive it as his mother. After being separated from…

Discusses ways child caregivers can help the children they care for cope with separation anxiety by preparing for transitions. Includes suggestions for preparing the classroom, helping children and parents become comfortable in the classroom, and using rituals to make transitions easier for children and parents at the beginning and the end of the…

Excitement is in the air as a new school year gets underway! It is up to the early childhood program teacher to set the stage for a wonderful year of learning and exploration. And just how is that done? How can one prepare a classroom that is ready to welcome children with open arms? How does one invite families into one's program in a way that is…

Children's successful adjustment to child care involves effectively managing their separation from parents. Persistent problems with separation interfere with other relationships and with learning opportunities. The authors of this article developed a tool that caregivers can use to identify adjustment difficulties in young children who are …

Case studies of three children who participated in the play program at Auckland Hospital in New Zealand are presented. About a third of the children admitted to the hospital have access to the play program, but only a few are able to participate in individual sessions with a hospital play specialist. The first case study described in this report…

Research suggests that Parent-Child Interaction therapy (PCIT) works to improve the child's behavior by changing the child-parent interaction. PCIT has been effective in treating disruptive behavior in young children. This article describes a pilot study to apply PCIT to the treatment of separation anxiety disorder (SAD). A multiple-baseline…

Documentation lets teachers visibly assess children's interests and abilities and serves as a tool for recording, reflecting, and supporting children. It also provides parents, children, and others a window into what is happening in the classroom. In The Children's School, the laboratory school at Mills College, teachers are always in search of…

Internalizing disorders are a public health issue affecting up to 20% of school-age children, yet few receive assistance. Internalizing difficulties can emerge in the preschool years, with stability from this time onward. To inform prevention programs, knowledge is needed about early internalizing indicators in community samples. This study…

Focuses on factors that can contribute to stress in young children due to family relocation and strategies to smooth the transition. (BB)

This colloquium draws on recent cross-cultural research undertaken in Brunei exploring the transition of the child from home or nursery school to preschool, which is mandatory for all children in their fifth year. Preschool classes are a part of primary schools in the Bruneian education system and are administered by the Ministry of Education.…

Outlines attachment theory, focusing on ideas regarding children's attachment to persons other than primary caregivers. Utilizes attachment theory in drawing implications for classroom operation, day care center organization, and governmental policies. The attachment paradigm is seen as providing a theoretical basis for improving day care…

Examined the transition of 10 children to day care. Found that separation from parent was difficult for one child and that a caring teacher, opportunities for exploration, and support in those activities assisted in overcoming separation difficulties. Identified the caregiver-child relationship as important for supporting children in their…

This guide is designed to assist employed parents in preparing themselves and their children for a successful child care experience. Chapter 1 covers child care selection, including resources available to aid in selection, characteristics of quality care, comparative shopping, and changing child care programs. Chapter 2 provides tips for preparing…

Discusses ways in which a teacher's sensitivity to and understanding of separation anxiety can help young children deal successfully with their feelings. (BB)