This sourcebook contains articles, resources, and sample teaching materials to assist practitioners implementing developmentally appropriate practices in the classroom. The first six parts of the sourcebook contain reprints of more than 40 journal articles, topical bibliographies and resource lists, and sample teaching materials. The topics of…

This book is designed as a guide for implementing quality child care environments at preschool and school-age levels for children ages 1 through 10. Evolving from a child-centered philosophy, the book contains six integrated and interdependent sections that respectively, provide an overview of child care and discuss child care center design,…

Drawing from a comparison of Danish and American kindergarten students, a review of theories of child activity, and action research, this report outlines several principles for pedagogical practice among 5- and 6-year-old children. The report first focuses on the crosscultural, ethnographic, and comparative study of Danish and American…

This paper traces the development of graded and non-graded classrooms in the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries and describes the implementation of multiage classrooms at an elementary school in Hopedale, Massachusetts. After defining what is meant by multiage classrooms, the paper discusses the role of Horace Mann, who was then a…

Recognizing that children are individuals with different needs, backgrounds, learning styles, and personalities, this book provides information on elements of a successful multiage, continuous progress classroom at the primary level. Following an introduction to the concept of multiage, continuous progress practices, the book discusses the…

During the 1988-89 school year, the Portland, Oregon, Board of Education adopted an approach based on developmentally appropriate practices for improving early childhood education in public schools. Part of the plan for implementing the approach focused on a teachers' self-study process. The goals of the self-study project, in which three…

The Pasadena Unified School District, in northwest Los Angeles County, recognized that an early intervention program for economically disadvantaged children should be part of its comprehensive district revitalizing and restructuring plan. Consequently, staff developed the Kindergarten Program for Four-Year-Olds, which was designed to provide: (1)…

The title question is discussed in six sections. Structural variables and issues are discussed in subsections concerning: the sex of child, the kindergarten program's day length, type, entrance age, group size, classroom aides and arrangements, and policies on promotion, failure, and retention. Interpersonal variables are explored in terms of…

This guide is designed for training teachers in the use of the "Innovations" curricula for infants and for toddlers. The "Innovations" program is based on the view that curricula for young children should involve thinking and planning for everything that can contribute to child development as well as the teacher's relationship with the child and…

These four newsletter issues provide information on current research and practice to early childhood professionals teaching in the primary grades in Colorado, focusing on education reform and developmentally appropriate practice. The first issue notes research supporting developmentally appropriate practice, describes Kentucky's primary school…

Noting the challenges presented for kindergarten teachers by current demands for accountability based on standardized measures that ignore diversity, this book presents ideas for implementing a developmentally-appropriate kindergarten curriculum within the constraints of American public schools. Following introductory remarks, the book is…

Notes that rapid introduction of information and communication technologies in United Kingdom schools, along with government-mandated curriculum requirements, has not been matched by growth in practitioners' understanding of appropriate ways to use the technology. Examines the successful implementation of technology in early childhood settings…

Revisits the middle-level school movement. Provides an overview of young adolescents' development, offers representative examples of developmentally appropriate practices, and looks at progress educators have made as well challenges encountered. Emphasizes the importance of understanding physical, pychosocial, and cognitive development in young…

Discusses possibilities of the use of microcomputers and developmentally appropriate computer software with young children in the preschool/kindergarten setting. These possibilities include the enhancement of playful socialization, active play, writing processes and language development, shared problem solving, creative expression, and play and…

Considers policy and practice issues concerning public school-based and school-operated prekindergarten programs. Issues discussed include developmentally appropriate programs, teacher qualifications, turnover and retention, parent involvement, ethnic and racial representation among staff, and comprehensive and competing services. (BB)