This study compared the efficacy beliefs of Taiwanese preservice teachers at the beginning of early childhood teacher preparation with those of preservice teachers near the end of preservice preparation. The 298 predominantly female participants were from 4 teacher colleges and a polytechnic institute. Participants completed a slightly revised…

This chapter from a North Dakota guide for early childhood special education personnel focuses on staff and facilities for programs for young children with special needs. Following an introduction, the first section presents North Dakota guidelines concerning qualification of teachers, physical facilities, required instructional time, and…

Drawing from several weeks of observation and study in Northern Italian preschools, this paper links practices in Reggio Emilia with the theoretical constructs of John Dewey, Susan Isaacs, and Howard Gardner. Part 1 presents background about the preschools of Reggio Emilia, Italy, which are unique both in their respect for the space created for…

Noting that there is a lack of consistent and accurate information about the teachers, administrators, and support staff who work in early childhood settings in Illinois, this study documented the early childhood workforce serving in infant/toddler, preschool, and school-age programs in the state. The study also determined the impact of the…

This document is comprised of six issues (1996 through 1998) of a biannually-published journal featuring research studies, theoretical essays, and classroom practice articles about the development and education of kindergarten children. The spring 1996 issue contains the following: (1) "Portfolios and Young Children: A Natural Match"…

This longitudinal study examined quality indicators in child care centers in three California communities in 1994, 1996, and 2000. Data were collected by means of interviews with teachers and directors and from classroom observations. Data collection in 1994 and 1996 focused on centers seeking NAEYC accreditation; the 2000 sample of 75 centers…

Research on parents has shown the critical contribution that linguistic input plays in fostering early literacy, but there have been no systematic studies of the literacy of the early care and education workforce and its role in fostering quality early learning environments. This report examines the literacy levels of early childhood educators in…

The third of three interactive staff development units on discipline in early childhood classrooms, this multi-media pack explores a technique to help early childhood teachers discern what a child is trying to communicate through disruptive behavior, so they can resolve such behavior rather than just react to it. The 25-minute teaching videotape…

Managing antisocial behavior is a critical issue facing those who work with young children, as the presence of early socialization problems is the single greatest predictor of adolescent and adult antisocial behavior. This booklet highlights the effectiveness of behavior management strategies that introduce and reinforce positive behaviors, rather…

Noting the scarcity of readily available information about men in child care and early education, this handbook is designed to support and nurture men in the profession, to provide information to men considering the profession, and to inform administrators and others regarding recruiting, retaining, and dealing with the issues of men in child care…

This paper discusses ethical dilemmas in early childhood education as identified by 26 kindergarten and early elementary school teachers. Ethical dilemmas are investigated in the theoretical framework of virtue epistemology. The method used in the study is a relational reading of teachers' narratives. Interpretive accounts are created to allow…

This paper describes a 2-year project establishing an interpretive community of field-based teacher researchers and a university-based teacher researcher at four urban preschools in San Francisco, California. The primary research focus of the project is an examination of practical and theoretical connections between current notions of…

Ethics--in the form of knowledge and skill in making responsible professional decisions--is one of the most fundamental qualities of a competent early childhood educator. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) developed its Code of Ethical Conduct to promote the application of core values, ideals, and principles to…

This paper responds to the questions: "How do we shape classroom life to reflect a spirit of social justice and equality, of tolerance and respect?" It presents a philosophy and a set of practices by which preschool classrooms may become communities that work for everyone. The paper begins with an observation of a preschool classroom and notes…

This study assessed which factors early childhood regular education classroom teachers, grades kindergarten through third, perceive as promoting or hindering the successful practice of inclusion. Three research questions formed the basis of this study: (1) How do early childhood classroom teachers (K-3) describe their perceptions of inclusion? (2)…