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 paper explores both the benefits and the difficulties of using the Project Approach in part-time early childhood education programs. Teachers of 3 different types of part-time programs share their experiences 1 year after taking a one-credit course in the Project Approach. The teachers' responses are organized by topic as follows: (1)…

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…

Early Childhood Research & Practice (ECRP), a peer-reviewed, Internet-only journal sponsored by the ERIC Clearinghouse on Elementary and Early Childhood Education (ERIC/EECE), covers topics related to the development, care, and education of children from birth to approximately age 8. ECRP emphasizes articles reporting on practice-related…

The views of teachers and directors in four Christian preschools and four Buddhist preschools are examined in this qualitative study of early childhood education in Japan. In Christian preschools, the guiding principle was that each child was a precious gift of God. This belief resulted in a play-oriented curriculum that maximized the choices…

Discusses the progress of development of a nationwide voluntary accreditation system for early childhood centers and schools, reviewing the accreditation process and providing a draft describing criteria for high quality programs. (BJD)

Describes the implementation of a pilot program for proactive inclusion at East Tennessee State University Child Study Center. Focuses on program characteristics critical to inclusion such as effective consultation strategies related to transitions, assessment and curriculum, and professional development; and family-centered services. (KB)

California continues to widen access to local child care and preschool programs--albeit in fits and starts--for a variety of families. About 65% of all four year-olds statewide now attend a preschool center. Government spends $3.6 billion on early care and education programs statewide, including a three-fold increase in state spending since 1996.…

This research report describes a follow-up study of children from a large urban school district that had widely implemented a pre-kindergarten program. The study examined the critical transition between primary and upper elementary grades for enduring effects of early educational experiences. A sample of 141 children enrolled in 68 urban schools…

This booklet, revised from the March 1990 version, 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…

This study examined the role of public preschool teachers in the construction of classroom literacy environments. Using qualitative methods for data collection and analysis, the research was intended to generate knowledge of teacher thinking and decision making for social and cultural phenomena taking place in a classroom. The study included ten…

This guide provides early childhood educators with information that will facilitate the construction of a developmentally appropriate curriculum for children from birth through kindergarten age. Such a curriculum: views cognitive, language, affective, and physical development as interrelated and interdependent; is appropriate for the child's age…

This reprint of an encyclopedia article describes the history of kindergarten education through approximately 1940. Kindergarten is defined as "a specialized school adapted to the nature and needs of young children from the fourth to the sixth year." Kindergarten was originated by Friedrich Froebel in Germany around 1840. Froebel's…

Designed for teachers and others involved in the development of early childhood education programs, the resource guide presents a model for teaching children, ages four through seven. Part 1 presents a brief overview of the growth and background of early childhood education in Maryland. Part 2 traces the origins and development of kindergarten…

The Chapel Hill Training-Outreach Project, which provides direct services to handicapped kindergarten children and their families at replication classrooms, is outlined in terms of activities, methods, and outcomes. In addition, assessment measures and newsletter issues are presented. Information is presented on the following program activities:…