This report provides guidelines for developmentally appropriate school-age child care programming, based in part on standards developed by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Part 1 outlines and discusses seven principles of developmentally appropriate school-age child care programs, which should strive to: (1) provide…

This sourcebook of over 100 Texas middle-school programs was developed to help educators implement intermediate-grade education concepts and practices in their schools. The volume is a companion publication to "Spotlight on the Middle: Report of the Texas Task Force on Middle School Education." The introduction mentions two offices in…

Presents a model for using guidance in mild and serious conflict situations in the preschool classroom. Describes how classic conflict management techniques are used to make both parties equal contributors to a peaceful settlement through mediation, including guidance talks, self-removal, and class meetings. Discusses use of comprehensive guidance…

Appropriate furnishings and equipment in a child care center can facilitate child development and help program staff respond to the needs of individual children. Offers extensive recommendations for furnishing and equipping a developmentally appropriate center. (SH)

Presents a developmentally appropriate framework reflecting the constructivist orientation of early childhood education to guide development of IEP goals and objectives for young children with disabilities. Discusses problems teachers encounter with IEPs, including defining skills too narrowly, not considering the time factor, and isolating the…

Describes practices and issues related to providing services for preschoolers with disabilities in inclusive early childhood classrooms. Identifies findings from research on developmentally appropriate practices. Discusses ways to integrate specialized services such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language therapy into…

Based on the belief that all children have a right to quality care and education, early childhood best practices, and trained staff/providers, this guide details quality standards for early care and education programs in West Virginia, developed through the Early Education Quality Improvement Project (EQUIP). The standards are voluntary and not…

This paper provides a detailed unit plan format for use by teacher trainers in early childhood education classes to teach students how to write integrated thematic unit plans for developmentally appropriate curriculum for young children. The paper first provides the outline for the thematic unit plan, and then explains each of the plan's 16…

This booklet provides a variety of ideas for preschool and kindergarten teachers and administrators interested in working cooperatively to establish linkages and ease the transition between educational settings for young children and their families. Benefits of facilitating transition for children, parents, and teachers and keys to successful…

The evolution of children's playgrounds in the United States from the late 1800s to the present is discussed. This evolution was influenced by the development of kindergartens, nursery schools, public schools, and public parks. Essential elements in the building of developmentally appropriate playgrounds are outlined. (BB)

Noting the importance of developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) for teaching kindergarten students, this guide with accompanying videotape is designed to help kindergarten practitioners assess their classroom's level of readiness. The guide discusses the concept of kindergarten readiness as including the capacity of kindergarten classrooms and…

Notes that if school efforts to develop children who are tolerant of racial and cultural differences are to succeed, teachers must examine more closely the role parents can and do play in determining children's attitudes and behaviors. Describes a curriculum partnership whereby parents participate in the development of anti-bias curriculum. (HTH)

Examines the use of perceptual-motor programs as physical education in early childhood programs. Contends that low rates of physical activity without variety, little skill instruction, teacher-centered instruction, limited opportunities to develop social skills, and a multiple station format are counterproductive to motor skill development and…

This article describes specific steps educational teams can follow to embed individualized education program (IEP) goals and objectives into daily activities and routines and, therefore, enhance the likelihood that intervention efforts are effective, individualized, and developmentally appropriate for young children with disabilities. Strategies…

Presents principles for devising and using developmentally appropriate procedures for assessing young children's reading and writing. Contends that informal observations and structured performance sample assessments are more appropriate than standardized tests. Offers specific examples of assessments of several aspects of literacy development. (RH)