This study deals with the undergraduate degree project in teacher training programmes for early childhood education and care in Sweden. For the study we draw on documents and qualitative interviews with teacher educators of different disciplinary backgrounds. The aims of this study were to identify discourses on the degree project in the field of…

The researchers described in this case study how Service Learning was incorporated within the context of an early childhood program where the teachers used the Project Approach. The Service Learning project was embedded in an investigation about water and was designed to help tsunami victims in Asia. Participants included two teachers and 12…

Noting that the approach to early childhood education in the schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy incorporates art as a learning tool, this paper describes the Reggio Emilia approach and discusses ways for American educators to apply the philosophies of the Reggio Emilia schools. The paper describes the founding of the schools in Reggio Emilia, by…

A class of 3- to 6-year-old children in a Midwestern child care center chose to study hair and hairstyling salons as a group project. This article discusses how the project evolved, describes the three phases of the project, and provides the teacher's reflections on the project. Photos taken during the project are included. (Author)

This publication of the CDA Clearinghouse offers brief descriptive abstracts of 4 CDA programs which reflect CDA training criteria and have been judged to be usable in various programs and localities. Each abstract consists of a program overview and describes the implementation of each of the 6 CDA training criteria. The overviews discuss program…

The primary objective of this action research was to shift the teaching method used by preschool teachers in Hong Kong from a teacher-directed mode by training them to use the project approach. The secondary objective was to measure children's achievement while using the project approach, focusing on their language ability, social development, and…

Documents the process of exploring the Reggio Emilia approach in Head Start classrooms in Iowa. Describes areas of exploration, including revising the classroom environments and daily schedules, using more documentation, instituting child-initiated projects, and collaborating on a deeper level with colleagues. Includes excerpts from children's…

Describes a student project of the Anna Frank school for three to six year olds in Reggio Emilia, Italy, in which students developed creativity by exploring the world of dinosaurs. Underscores the reciprocity between children and teachers in guiding the project. (AC)

Articles present information on using the student project approach and instructional themes in early childhood settings. Articles describe particular projects, teachers and students' experiences with project learning, the Reggio Emilia approach, phases of project work, using ordinary moments during the day to support children's construction of…

This paper explores implications of the preschool program in Reggio Emilia, Italy for the early childhood education curriculum in the United States. Reggio Emilia's municipal early childhood program incorporates high quality day care with a carefully articulated philosophy of education. The curriculum of the preschools is based on a project…

This booklet contains the 1972 and 1973 program and management plans for the Flexible Training System for Teacher Assistants. The program has four primary objectives, each one related to a major problem in early childhood education. Objectives are (1) to develop an educational program that provides a career ladder for low income persons who are…

Illustrates how the Reggio Emilia (Italy) Approach to learning uses classroom projects to provide valuable learning experiences to young children. Suggests how certain aspects of the Reggio Emilia approach of classroom project work may be applied to teaching and learning strategies in the United States. (BB)

The research project described in this report (Educational Services for Home Day Care Sub-Professionals) examines the education/training needs of a group of women who are licensed home day caregivers and who provide day care services to preschool children for a fee. This project represents an attempt undertaken by an urban university working in…

While most of the dialogue in education today is about accountability, standardized testing, and adequate yearly progress, the truth is that student success is deeply connected to the physical, emotional, and cognitive needs that they have at different ages. The best schools already know this and follow practices that are academically engaging and…