Written by the Minnesota Early Childhood Teacher Educators (MECTE), this booklet focuses on the knowledge and competencies needed by the kindergarten teacher. While the booklet is primarily addressed to college faculty for use in training pre-service kindergarten teachers, it can also be used as a resource for other college faculties, practicing kindergarten teachers, elementary teachers, and others. The booklet was developed specifically to address the following concerns: challenging current trends toward developmentally inappropriate curriculum content and practices; addressing the discrepancy between content in teacher education programs and children's experiences in kindergarten classrooms; examining the need for both commonality and uniqueness in college and university teacher education programs; evaluating current kindergarten practices; developing a comprehensive program for the preservice kindergarten teacher; and interpreting the kindergarten program to parents, administrators, and other educators. Topics covered include the following: an overview of kindergarten; curricular responsibilities; interpersonal responsibilities; and program responsibilities. (DST)