In an effort to alleviate the existing teacher shortages in the field of early childhood education (ECE) across the United States, there is a necessity for teacher preparation programmes to accommodate ECE in-service teachers or graduate students (who do not have the chance to enroll in traditional graduate teacher preparation programmes due to…

Overcoming challenges to quality early education in developing nations, TEACH Rwanda, one high-performing education system, offers a model of childhood learning through sensitive teacher dispositions, child-centred play, and culturally relevant materials. This manuscript provides a unique window into the practices of a quality early childhood…

As teacher shortages or teacher turnover rate continue to proliferate in the field of early childhood education (ECE) across the United States in the past few decades, there seem to be a pressing need for teacher preparation programmes to accommodate prospective ECE pre-service teachers (who do not have the chance to enroll in traditional teacher…

This introduction presents a general overview of the regulations, policies, programmes and actions which currently exist in Spain within the field of positive parenting. The articles featured in this special issue showcase initiatives aimed at fostering child development through the promotion of parenting competences and family support. They are…

Teacher shortages are a pervasive global issue that is expected to continue, especially in low-performing, high-needs schools [O'Connor, E. A., Malow, M. S., & Bisland, B. M. (2011). Mentorship and instruction received during training: Views of alternatively certified teachers. "Educational Review," 63(2), 219-232]. In an effort to…

Provides an overview of child care through description of (1) a nursery managed by a neighborhood group in charge of community affairs and intended for children under three and (2) a kindergarten run by a municipality for children between three and six and one-half. (RH)

After attempting to correct misconceptions about philosophy, explains several reasons why philosophy should be taught to children, noting that philosophy teaches people to think effectively. Outlines several reasons why "Philosophy for Children," a program created by Lipman, should be used to teach philosophy to young children. (BC)

Evaluates the project, emphasizing (1) the recruitment, training, and support of volunteers; and (2) the collection, preparation, and dissemination of educational materials. (CI)

Examines current issues influencing the provision of early care and education for Singaporean children. Focuses on the increased need to encourage mothers to return to the workplace, to promote the early awareness of family values and national identity, and to prepare children adequately for primary school. (Author/KB)

Describes and evaluates the approach to observation of young children used in the PROCESS project in London, England. PROCESS observation uses broad categories, emphasizes cognitive processes, covers a wide range of contexts, involves partnerships with parents, and is intended to inform planning. Discusses observation materials, factors affecting…

Describes key findings concerning the effectiveness of applied behavior analysis (ABA) for children with autism. Discusses obstacles present in Ireland to treating children with autism using ABA techniques. Describes the work of Parents' Education as Autism Therapists and the Irish Children's Autism Network for Developmental Opportunities to…

Describes a community education project that aims to (1) make available to parents of young children stimulating toys, books, and other materials at a reasonable price; (2) stimulate discussion of educational issues relevant to parents; and (3) establish new kinds of links between parents and the schools and nurseries attended by their children.…

Provides an overview of substance-abuse prevention strategies targeting children and adolescents in the United States. Discusses the effectiveness of several major prevention approaches and programs and their implications for service providers. (Author)

Describes a developmental screening project conducted by Oregon Healthy Start, a home visiting program for first-time parents. Explains procedures of the project, and describes the Ages and Stages Questionnaires, a parent-completed screening tool used as an outcome measure. Presents outcomes of the project, including recommendations for using…

Examines the changing needs for early childhood education, arguing that the ideal curriculum should have a developmentally appropriate, hands-on, multisensory approach to learning and should include play. Explores several innovative multigenerational approaches to the complex problems of quality and affordability in early childhood programs. (HTH)