Well-informed teachers of young children recognize the importance of children's social development. The development of social skills lays a critical foundation for later academic achievement as well as work-related skills. Social development is such a key issue with young children that a number of methods to address social skills have been…

Examines two preschool programs in the New Orleans area in terms of their arrangement of indoor and outdoor space to implement developmentally appropriate practices. Explains that they can serve as inspiration to other early childhood professionals who struggle to create meaningful experiences for young children in "second-hand" space. (EV)

Presents guidelines for providing suitable play and learning spaces for children from birth to 3 years old. Argues that toddlers have developmental needs different from those of older preschoolers, and that environments must be designed appropriately. Recommends that room arrangements for toddlers provide simplicity, options for seclusion and…

This paper discusses the developmentally appropriate design of child care centers, focusing on the qualities or properties of center design that have been proven to influence child development. The paper suggests that the design of child care centers can be considered in terms of the five main steps in planning and designing a child care facility.…

This working paper describes the development of a child care center in Berlin, Germany, focusing on how the program's pedagogical principles support children's learning, how respect for diversity is integrated in everyday practice, and how program quality and accessibility are defined within a multicultural context. Chapter 1 describes the…