Based on the view that more male role models are needed for young children and that there would be pedagogical benefits to having greater numbers of male early childhood teachers, this study examined female teachers' perceptions of barriers to men entering early childhood education (ECE) and their recommendations for recruiting males into ECE…

Noting recent research findings indicating that commonly used transition practices may not be well-suited to the needs of children and families, this report summarizes educational policy issues related to the transition to kindergarten and presents recommendations for policy changes. The report notes that the transition to kindergarten and the…

The repertory grid is a technique used in psychological and behavioral studies to elicit individuals' personal constructs. This pilot study examined the feasibility of using this technique with young children in early childhood education settings with regard to visual art education, based on the view that listening to, and appreciating children's…

"Between the Lions" is a Public Broadcasting System program promoting literacy for children 4 through 7 years combining state-of-the-art puppetry, animation, live action, and music to achieve its mission of helping young children learn to read. This guide is designed to help kindergarten teachers integrate "Between the Lions"…

This book was written for teachers, directors, and aides who have questions about the problems of working in the day care field. Part 1 of the book, "Hard Times with Directors," contains the sections: (1) "The Bad Things about Good Directors"; (2) "The Good Things about Bad Directors"; (3) "Staff Meeting…

Ratings were made of childrens' verbal-social behavior by nursery nurses and teachers in day nurseries, nursery schools, and combined nursery centers. These ratings were analyzed for group differences, and validity was assessed by comparing ratings with observations of the children's behavior and scores on two language tests. (RH)

A study was made of the "cognitive demands" made of children during spontaneous conversations with their teachers at nursery school and their mothers at home. Teachers' talk contained a higher proportion of cognitive demands and "testing" demands than did mothers' talk; however, the hourly rate of these demands was higher in…

Forty experienced and inexperienced teachers, twenty male and twenty female, were observed in preschool classes to determine (1) what determines differential responses to boys and girls with regard to sex-preferred behaviors, and (2) whether male and female teachers differ in their teaching styles. (ST)

Describes a program for parents and preschool teachers that has produced positive results in emergent reading behaviors in young children with developmental disabilities. Essential program elements include parents as literacy role models, frequent and regular exploration of print, interactions with adults in reading situations, and family…

This study examined the role of staff development in implementing full inclusion in three rural kindergartens. Participant interviews, observations, and document reviews over seven months indicated that staff development must be closely linked to teacher concerns regarding inclusion, and teachers must perceive the interventions as providing things…

Discusses ethical dilemma in early childhood education as identified by kindergarten and elementary school teachers. Investigates these dilemmas within the theoretical framework of moral relevance and moral conflict. Reveals that ethical dilemmas in early childhood education are relational and deal with competing interpretations of the best…

Outlines the basic principles of attachment theory and its implications for young children's social and emotional development. Applies attachment theory to children whose behaviors are especially challenging, using examples from a primary classroom in an urban setting. Asserts that sensitive teachers can build collaborative relationships. (SD)

This qualitative study examined the job satisfaction of early childhood teachers in Hong Kong: one group of kindergarten teachers and their principal experiencing a top-down curriculum implementation, and a second group of student teachers implementing a bottom-up kindergarten art curriculum. Findings revealed the need for pedagogical skills and…

Describes changes in Head Start programs in the remote bush villages of Alaska over the past 25 years. Emphasizes the custom-designed teacher and staff training program. (BB)

Describes the process of adding a computer program to a preschool curriculum for four-year-old children. Discussed are goals, hardware and software, the teacher's role, activities, problems, and future plans. (BB)