This book compiles abstracts of presentations from a symposium held in honor of Dr. Bernard Spodek, a leading scholar in early childhood education, on the occasion of his retirement. Topics addressed are as follows: (1) culture in early childhood curriculum; (2) developmental and cultural appropriateness; (3) kindergarten in Japan; (4) pressure…

This chapter is part of a book that recounts the year's work at the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) at Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi. Rather than an "elitist" laboratory school for the children of university faculty, the ECDC is a collaboration between the Corpus Christi Independent School District and the…

The project approach to teaching allows children to explore a topic in depth and document his or her learning. This guide for teachers shows how good project work can address challenges faced by early childhood teachers, such as overcoming ill effects of poverty, or responding to children with special needs. The book provides guidelines for…

Based on the view that play builds the foundation for lifelong learning, this 3-volume set of videotapes (in English and Spanish versions) with accompanying facilitators guide depicts a wide variety of parents/caregivers playing with infants and toddlers to highlight the importance of playing and interacting in ways that support and expand…

Noting that the persistence of unacceptable trends in kindergarten entry and placement practices narrows the curriculum in kindergarten and primary education, constricts equal educational opportunity, and curtails the exercise of professional responsibilities of early childhood educators, this position statement of the National Association of…

Developmentally appropriate practice continuously evolves, as does the need of professionals to have resources to encourage and bolster developmentally appropriate practices. This book provides an annotated resource bibliography based on the recommendations of early childhood professionals. The book is organized into three parts. Part 1 includes…

This collection of developmentally appropriate early childhood education curriculum activities uses themes to integrate the curriculum for young children. The activities involve active exploration, problem-solving, and the acquisition of specific concepts or skills. The collection is divided into six broad sections, with individual themes…

This practicum was developed to increase the quality of child care offered by family daycare providers on a military base in the western United States. Providers were to improve their developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) by following a daily activity schedule, setting up enriched home environments, writing and implementing curricula, and…

Recognizing the role of physical activity in helping young children to attain desired objectives, educators should continually be investigating avenues for involving children in daily physical activity. This paper presents the Active Living approach, a uniquely Canadian experience that encourages young children to be physically active every day.…

Details four developmentally appropriate dramatic play experiences for integration into the classroom curriculum to extend dramatic play into a classroom play experience. Provides guidance in turning dramatic play into a project, launching the play process, readying the performance, problem solving, playing the play, and enjoying the outcome.…

Argues successful intergenerational curriculum should meet the following criteria: (1) developmentally appropriate; (2) socially appropriate for impaired adults; (3) functionally appropriate; and (4) coexploration and mutual benefit. Suggests activities including free conversation, singing, music, telling or reading stories, and cooking. Advocates…

In response to a Council of Australian Governors' proposed national framework for children's services, the Australian Early Childhood Association has prepared a paper that sets out its views on the objectives, outcomes, and features of such a framework. The Association strongly believes that the interests of children should be the paramount…

Describes a classroom management approach called developmental discipline that incorporates observation with knowledge of the individual child, situation, and child development to guide appropriate behavior. Discusses factors associated with behavior problems and how teachers can work with parents to apply developmental discipline techniques and…

To support science inquiry in preschools, the Education Development Center in Newton, Massachusetts, developed three teacher's guides to help teachers identify science-rich questions embedded in children's play and use those questions to engage the children in age-appropriate science inquiry. This article follows three Head Start teacher teams as…

Reviews research on three issues related to the first edition of the developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) guidelines of the National Association for the Education of Young Children: (1) the prevalence of DAP; (2) teachers and parents beliefs about DAP and influence of beliefs on practice; and (3) how appropriate and inappropriate practice…