This publication reports findings from the second year of an implementation study of the Early Childhood Cluster Initiative (ECCI). ECCI is a prekindergarten program in ten elementary schools and a community child care center in Palm Beach County, based on the design of the High/Scope Perry Preschool model. The initiative is characterized by low…

The Research in Practice Series has been developed to provide practical, easy to read, up-to-date information and support to a growing national readership of early childhood workers. Digital photography opens a whole new world of communication within early childhood settings, giving scope for devising more effective ways of engaging children,…

This paper examines the relationship between Korean culture and the historical development of its kindergarten (preschool) curriculum. After reviewing the values that were emphasized in traditional Korean society, focusing on ethics, loyalty and filial piety, propriety, and gender roles, the paper provides examples of how these values influences…

This short booklet describes Montessori preschool methods, materials, and environments. The booklet provides background on Maria Montessori and highlights her commitment to facilitating the self-creating process of the child. Preschool years are described as being critical in that they are the peak of children's ability to absorb all that is going…

Noting that the terms "Native American" and "American Indian" are both legitimately used to refer to the indigenous people of North America, this digest identifies stereotypes about Native Americans that children gain from media portrayals and classroom role playing, and suggests strategies for teachers to use to counter…

A study examined whether a field placement in a preschool program enhanced preservice teachers' understanding of the emerging literacy process. The study was conducted in two preschool classrooms in an urban school district in central New Jersey during the spring semester of 1996. Subjects were 26 graduate and undergraduate preservice teachers who…

This book describes some of the activities of the Hanna Perkins School in Cleveland, Ohio, which was founded in 1950 to provide education and treatment for emotionally disturbed young children. Specifically, the book examines the experiences and findings of the Mother-Toddler Group, established at the school in 1985, which enrolls 6 toddlers and…

This report describes a course on early childhood education methodology and practice that was held at Machakos, Kenya, for 28 Kenyan early childhood teachers, social workers, and teacher educators. In addition to presenting developmental profiles of preschool children, the 12-day course addressed language enrichment activities as precursors to…

Intended primarily for professionals teaching early childhood and infant intervention courses, this handbook presents an overview of child care as both a support to families and an economic necessity, meeting changing and dynamic needs. Child care settings and types of care are discussed, along with quality indicators, licensing, and provider…

This booklet provides suggestions for reassessing, modifying, and arranging child care center environments to best serve the needs of children and staff. The booklet notes that a well-planned environment can provide young children with appropriate and challenging learning experiences within a consistent and secure setting. Such an environment also…

Regardless of the racial or ethnic composition of their classrooms, teachers need to develop a multicultural classroom environment in which they: (1) teach children to respect others' cultures and values; (2) help all children learn to function successfully in a multicultural, multiracial society; (3) develop a positive self-concept in those…

The concept of "subjects" has posed a philosophical dilemma and polarised debate within early childhood education. Consequently, little attention has been paid to teachers' and children's subject knowledge and the role these might play in early childhood curriculum and pedagogy to extend and enhance children's learning. This article…

This guide to various types of church-operated preschool programs discusses needs and purposes of congregation, child and community, describes different types of programs, and provides lists of printed resources and organizations which can help congregations establish or improve their early childhood education efforts. Resource suggestions and…

Literature related to eight major categories of variables affecting the experiences provided to children in preschools is reviewed in this paper. Categories initially discussed include contextual factors, characteristics of clients, characteristics of teachers and other assisting adults, and the preschool curriculum. A short discussion of the…

The validity of Bilingual Education in a multi-cultural preschool setting is examined and supported. Further, a discussion of how mental health may be linked to the recognition of a child's native language, in his aquisition of a positive self-concept, is delineated. Additionally, theoretical information is supported by a survey completed in 1976,…