Reviews the development of European Union's early childhood social policy agenda over the last 15 years, examining what part of the agenda addresses early years issues and what problems the EU should focus on. Raises questions that require attention and makes a series of suggestions as to what a distinctive European approach for early year…

Describes a primary teacher's experience with implementing developmentally appropriate practice. Documents the process of changing teaching methods, abandoning ability grouping in reading, giving children significant choices, following children's progress, staying informed and sharing with colleagues, informing parents, and evaluating teaching…

Aims to create awareness in early childhood professionals of the factors that contribute to emerging morality by suggesting ways to provide a developmentally appropriate social environment. (ET)

Surveyed preschool administrators, teachers, and parents from four countries about what constitutes developmentally appropriate preschool practice. Found that respondents from Finland scored high on all survey items. Administrators and teachers from the United States scored higher than U.S. parents, who preferred a more formal, academic approach.…

This article summarizes research supporting claims that offering opportunities for planning and reflection in early years promotes development of thinking and reasoning. Strategies to encourage planning include ensuring that children can see areas and materials during planning, asking children questions, encouraging children to elaborate on plans,…

Suggests developmentally appropriate ways early childhood teachers can help young children express, interpret, and understand their experiences through song. Discusses the importance of singing for gaining music and literacy skills and encouraging self-expression and creativity. Includes tips related to posture, breathing, vocal exploration, vocal…

Addresses problems of providing quality child care to all American children. Suggests five factors that stand in the way of quality child care and recommends positions professionals should take regarding each factor: regulations and standards; public support of poor families; professional self-regulation; appropriate curriculum; and staff…

Presents the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) annual report, which covers a number of the Association's accomplishments and challenges. Issues covered include teacher preparation and compensation, accreditation of high-quality early childhood programs, developmentally appropriate early childhood education, and early…

Addresses issues in the organization and delivery of preprimary instruction: attendance, the basis for program entry, and the effects of alternative curricula and length of school day on student achievement. Limitations of existing studies are described, and the problem of the increasingly academic nature of preprimary curricula is discussed. (RH)

Two case studies examined the relationship between preschool teachers' educational level and their interactions with students. Subjects were two preschool teachers with degrees and three without. Specific similarities and differences among the teachers support the need for instruction in developmentally appropriate practices for adults who work…

An imaginary interview with Maria Montessori elaborates on three requirements for an effective elementary school. The effective school should match the development and needs of children; be created as a total learning community; and offer an atmosphere and a curriculum that foster children's innate sense of wonder and connection to the natural…

Describes a kindergarten classroom project that promoted student choice and decision making by providing time for the students to pursue their own interests. This student-directed project that included cooperative learning, parent involvement, and upper-grade students as assistants gave kindergartners the opportunity for independent and…

Discusses the importance of social skills in young children, and the need for "naturalistic" procedures rather than teacher direction to intervene in social development of children with disabilities. Presents strategies for supporting social behaviors in preschoolers that foster social skills development in areas including large- and…

Examines the question of whether to make computers a part of the early childhood curriculum. Discusses the contribution of computers to children's development, focusing on the role of computers and related technology in benefiting children with disabilities and facilitating inclusion. Discusses ways of adapting technology to make it…

Reflects on the process of developing national curriculum guidelines for early childhood based on New Zealand's experience. Discusses how development involved complex interactions between the nature of early childhood in New Zealand and its history (setting), the opinions, ideas, and practice of current practitioners (consultation), and decisions…