Presents an overview of preschool science education as it has developed over the past decade, and examines some of the promising signs and problem areas in this field. Aims to provide teachers, researchers, and program planners with ideas that can be utilized in science program development at the preschool level. (JR)

The physical, social, emotional, and cognitive gains derived from block building are examined in relation to learning needs of the pre-school child. (CS)

Describes resources available to local school districts for establishing early childhood education programs and suggests that these various federal, State and local resources -- money, people, and tested practices -- be pooled for maximum effectiveness. (Author/JH)

Cites examples from Pacific Rim countries to illustrate concerns about the ongoing process of continuity between early childhood programs. Includes discussion of philosophical, curricular, developmental, physical, organizational, and administrative continuities. Reiterates that the challenge of maintaining continuity among early childhood programs…

Argues that there is no absolute standard for defining high-quality early childhood education and care and that current approaches to effective teaching/learning are of limited value in defining standards for effective early education. Explores from a Vygotskian perspective play as a format for children's activities, concluding that effective…

Describes the daily preschool day and the curriculum for kindergarten children in one Russian city. Asserts that Russian preschool education is concerned with balancing young children's physical and intellectual development and is determined to work with parents to help nurture children. (KB)

Describes a year-long study of the indigenous peoples of the Americas conducted by an intern at a Montessori school, focusing on the Pueblo people and emphasizing contemporary indigenous people. Highlights introducing the study to students, creating materials that capture the essence of a Montessori lesson, structuring lessons through an…

Describes role of early childhood education (ECE) administrator as a protagonist for inclusion of children with disabilities. Suggests this role entails laying foundation for inclusion through articulating program philosophy, choosing the curriculum model, identifying appropriate instructional strategies, and arranging the environment.…

Defines quality preschool mathematics that is developmentally appropriate for young children. Discusses the need for mathematics in preschool education and mathematics teachers' role in high-quality learning in preschool. (KHR)

Explores the meanings of early childhood education and depicts the general background of early childhood practices in Hong Kong. Examines curriculum issues in kindergarten illustrated by stories about the teaching of an inservice kindergarten teacher in Hong Kong. Analyzes recent reform proposals for the Hong Kong education system, using the four…

Investigated the intentions underlying practice in the classes of 24 nursery teachers. Many of the teachers valued cognitive growth and saw children's developing social competence as supporting that growth. (RJC)

Discusses the conflict between elementary and early childhood educators concerning the role and curriculum of early childhood education. Challenges educators to work together for the benefit of young children's education. (RJC)

Discusses the creative techniques used in eight recently published picture books deemed "age appropriate" for three- to seven-year-olds. Urges preschool teachers to familiarize themselves with available books, and suggests a technique for incorporating literature into the curriculum. Offers a bibliography of story, science, alphabet, and "must…

Notes the importance of outdoor play to the early childhood curriculum. Explores the purpose and nature of playgrounds, and presents a staff development model based on playground contents, safety, and functions. Also notes some playground problems teachers can avoid with close observation. (HTH)

This article provides a historical review of public school programs for four-year-olds during the eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth centuries. Topics include social, political, and educational influences on four-year-old enrollment; types of programs; and factors which led to the exclusion of four year olds from public schools. (IAH)