The rapid growth of information and communication technologies (ICT) has prompted concerns among parents, educators, and policymakers over the suitability of many educational applications and electronic toys for young children. This book provides information on how children from birth to age 6 develop an early awareness--and subsequently develop their knowledge, skills, and understanding--of ICT. The book further presents evidence that the use of ICT by young children is compatible with the principles of a developmentally appropriate curriculum and argues that many ICT applications can make significant and unique contributions to children's social and cognitive development. The chapters are: (1) "An Integrated Approach to ICT Education"; (2) "ICT in the Home, the Local Environment, and Early Years Education"; (3) "Responding to the Differing Needs of Children"; (4) "Programmable Toys and Control Technology"; (5) "Interactive Stories, Simulated Environments, and Adventure Games"; (6) "Creativity, Communication, and the Computer"; and (7) "Conclusions: The Way Forward." Included in the book are a glossary of relevant terms and four appendices containing the NAEYC position statement on technology and young children, information on ergonomic principles for computer use with young children, a list of software sources and early childhood sites, and sources of training for computer skills and ICT curriculum. (Contains 119 references.) (KB)