Because sensorimotor and environmental factors have a profound effect on children's learning, every teacher should know how to weave strategies from occupational therapy (OT) into their everyday instruction. This is the guidebook K-3 teachers need to "think like an OT"--and form effective partnerships with OTs in their schools--so all students can…

The cornerstone of the High/Scope approach to early elementary education is the belief that active learning is fundamental to the full development of human potential and that active learning occurs most effectively in settings that provide developmentally appropriate learning opportunities. This guide and accompanying videotape are intended to…

This technical assistance paper answers the question, "How can quality education programs for young children be assured?" by addressing four issues: components of quality early childhood programs, measures to counteract pressures for inappropriate practices, types of early childhood programs, and program evaluation methods. The paper…

Children today are entering day care at younger ages than earlier generations, prompting concern at the differences between day care and home environments. This paper considers the infant classroom in a day care setting, discussing methods of teaching and learning designed to promote authentic learning in a natural educational environment.…

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)

Early childhood education faces theoretical dilemmas as it reexamines the role of culture in the development of children and struggles to define what "developmentally appropriate" means and for whom. Teachers and other caregivers are working to integrate an anti-bias, multicultural approach into the overall curriculum and everyday…

This guide was developed for North Carolina teachers in early childhood education and focuses on how play-based center activities in kindergarten teach literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and the arts. Development of the guide was based on educators' experiences and their understanding of how children learn. The guide's introduction…

This guide for educators presents an educational continuum encompassing traditional approaches to developmentally appropriate practice. Children, parents, teachers, and the classroom are discussed in terms of resources they provide for the learning experience and the movement towards developmentally appropriate practice. For example, children can…

The Creative Curriculum for early childhood education is a teaching framework that addresses children's emotional, cognitive, and physical development. This supplement to the Creative Curriculum is designed to enhance teachers' effectiveness in understanding how content is linked to teaching and learning in a developmentally appropriate curriculum…

Combining developmentally appropriate early childhood practice with current views of emergent literacy and whole language instruction, this book is designed to help pre-service and in-service teachers incorporate new views of literacy into their classrooms. The book includes extensive examples from actual classrooms to assist readers in…

This book is intended for early childhood educators, student teachers, practicing teachers, and parents who are interested in improving observation and assessment processes for children from infancy through the elementary school years. The book covers the history, philosophy, and practice of observing, recording, and analyzing children's behavior.…

Describes developmental interventions, attachment issues, curricular ideas, and nutritional considerations that can facilitate successful integration into U.S. early childhood environments of children adopted from overseas. Asserts that early childhood educators can nurture adopted children's development by arranging a conducive environment,…

Focusing on the argument that early childhood education plays a crucial role in children's future success, this guide provides information to educators about development-based education that leads to active and productive learning for children ages 4 through 6. The guide provides examples for planning and organizing classroom environments,…

Argues that knowing the temperamental differences of young children can assist classroom teachers in being more responsive to children's various needs and in providing developmentally appropriate classrooms. Recommends ways to adapt the classroom environment for many interaction and learning styles. (MM)