Addresses questions concerning the selection and use of specialized child care administrative software packages. Examines the timing of the purchase, uniqueness of packages, selection considerations, long-term features, indicators of flexibility, cautions, technological change, and future trends. (SD)

Presents four articles on the use of computer technology with young children: "Computers for Infants and Young Children" (David Elkind); "Using Technology to Enhance Early Learning Experiences" (Kirsten Haugen); "Creative Use of Technology with School-Agers" (Ina Lynn McClain); and "Evaluating and Selecting Software for Children" (Charles…

Lists six computer programs appropriate for children aged 3 to 6. Includes for each program a description, price, producer's address and phone number, and types of personal computers with which the software is compatible for each program. These programs, which were reviewed in the 1988 SURVEY OF EARLY CHILDHOOD SOFTWARE, are rated by nine…

Reviews children's software packages: (1) "Fun 'N Games"--nonviolent games and activities; (2) "Putt-Putt Saves the Zoo"--matching, logic games, and animal facts; (3) "Big Job"--12 logic games with video from job sites; (4) "JumpStart First Grade"--15 activities introducing typical school lessons; and (5) "Read, Write, & Type!"--progressively…

Updated information for computer purchases appropriate for use in a childcare center classroom is offered. Includes a list of minimum hardware requirements for Windows-based computers as well as Macintosh, and low-budget alternative solutions. New software titles for preschool children and K-5 school-age children are reviewed. (AA)

Preschool teachers discuss how they evaluate the educational value of educational computer software designed for young children, the type of computer learning they view as appropriate for young children, and appropriate circumstances for using entertainment software. Young children share what they would like to do with computers. (KB)

Examines nine important questions that can help directors of child-care centers in selecting software to assist them with administrative tasks. These questions were developed based on the insights offered by an exchange panel of 200 members currently using center management software. Includes a listing of 24 center management software packages on…

Provides names, addresses, telephone numbers, and contact persons of 42 preschool educational software suppliers, as well as brief, company-furnished descriptions of each provider's product line and, in most cases, the titles of the provider's most popular software. (MDM)

Offers basic information for childcare directors on purchasing computer hardware and software for the center. Covers reasons for having computers, downsides to computers, the kind of computer to buy, minimum requirements for Windows-based computers and Macintosh computers, and other accessories. Presents brief descriptions of 9 software packages…

Examines nine important questions which need to be researched before selecting software that will meet a child care center's needs within its budget. Provides product descriptions of 27 software programs currently on the market. (BB)

Presents an annotated report on child care management software programs designed to computerize financial and data management functions for child care centers. (BB)

Provides descriptions of 23 computer software programs related to day care management. Each entry contains the title of the software package, a short company-provided description of its major features, and the company's address and telephone number. (MDM)

Provides answers to nine common questions that day-care providers ask about computers and young children, such as (1) what can children learn with computers? (2) what are the advantages and disadvantages of having computers? (3) what types of affordably priced computers are best? and (4) what are the best software programs for young children? (MDM)

Presents preliminary findings of a mail survey to child care directors regarding child care administrative software packages. Found that slightly more than half use a child care administrative software package. Their overall experience appears to be relatively problem-free, in contrast to focus group findings reporting several complaints.…

Critiques some commonly held rationales for having or not having computers in early childhood settings. Highlights issues worth considering with regard to the computer as an early learning material. (BB)