Presents the Kindezian philosophy of early childhood education, a historical developmentally appropriate Africentric worldview. Describes the curriculum as predating Western curriculum development by centuries. Maintains that Kindezi affords children the possibility to develop their full potential and that it provides a framework on which to…

Discusses the project approach in early childhood curriculum, a natural, teacher-supported companion to teacher-directed activities that develops basic skills and recognizes the child's need for hands-on experimentation to make learning meaningful. Describes the three phases of project approach: investigation, fieldwork, and display. Offers…

Examines the place of art appreciation in early childhood education programs. Discusses historical changes in philosophies of art education and young children's capability for appreciating art. Presents suggestions for including art appreciation in the preschool curriculum, and describes ways to tie art activities to children's interests,…

Explores current practices in kindergarten education and describes the knowledge base related to kindergarten. Considers implications for making kindergarten a place where children can grow, learn, and thrive. Includes discussion of the kindergarten students, readiness-based interventions, scheduling, and kindergarten activities. (KB)

This booklet is a compilation of all the research grants and contracts and the training grants that the National Center for Education Research has awarded since its first year. The projects listed represent a new generation of education research--research that is rigorous, relevant, and intended to improve the quality of education in the United…

For children from low-resource backgrounds, a literacy-rich preschool experience with a skilled and engaged teacher can offset risk factors and lay the groundwork for lifelong academic success. Now schools can ensure effective early literacy instruction with this field-tested, research-based curriculum for children 3 to 5 years of age. These 41…

This document evaluates a series of weekly activity guides developed for families of at-risk preschool children. The purpose of the guides was to increase communication between teachers and families, the amount of time families spent with their children on developmentally appropriate learning activities, and parental understanding of…

This paper describes a study carried out in Portugal on the effects of three different preschool curricula on children's entry into primary school. These curricula are High Scope, Formal Skills, and Movimento da Escola Moderna. The sample consisted of 223 children followed longitudinally from nursery to primary school. Systematic observations were…

This study evaluated the teaching methods of 11 day care teachers and caregivers at a university-sponsored center to determine if: (1) the teachers used different strategies for same-age and mixed-age groups of children; (2) there are differences in strategies used by less- and more-experienced teachers; and (3) teachers used specific strategies…

This report is an evaluation of the Georgia Prekindergarten Program established during the 1992-93 school year. The program aimed to enhance community services, family well-being, and developmental and educational opportunities for 4-year-olds, targeting children who were eligible for public assistance or referred by a social service agency.…

Following a brief section concerning elements of the management process, the eight chapters in this guide for day care directors discuss personnel, staff orientation, staff inservice training, enrollment, classroom management, curriculum, health maintenance, and, briefly, center management. Each chapter includes numerous forms that can be used and…

This document provides guidelines for developing and implementing a preschool program in urban schools. The program described, Bridges and Links, is an educational program for 4- and 5-year-olds that represents a cooperative effort between private preschool providers and the public schools of Ohio's Conneaut Area City School District. Sections of…

The "All About Child Care: Instructor's Guide" is designed as a companion volume to the All About Child Care: Trainee's Manual. Like the manual, the instructor's guide is divided into 14 units covering health, safety, cognitive development, individual strength, language development, prereading skills, self concept, social development,…

"All About Child Care: Trainee's Manual" provides a means for acquiring and demonstrating the knowledge and skills of an effective child care practitioner. The Manual is divided into 14 units with each unit built around a set of competencies. These sets of competencies correspond to the 13 functional areas described in the Child…

This paper discusses current studies of economic instruction in early childhood and primary elementary school grades. While it is true that the study of economics has shifted downward to the primary grades, it is unknown exactly how widespread the teaching of economics is at this early level. The few research studies reviewed in this paper use…