The conceptualizations of morphogenic processes suggested by systems theorists provide a useful framework for describing growth and development in complex adaptive self-directing organisms. These processes involve changes in (1) a system's structure, state, or functioning; (2) discontinuities in development; and (3) at least two kinds of…

Age-appropriate activities for children and curriculum guidelines for mothers operating family day care homes for infants and toddlers were developed with the goal of improving the quality of day care programming. Curriculum goals were to (1) facilitate children's achievement of self-identity and self-esteem; (2) provide an outlet for creative…

A summary of proceedings of a conference on articulation by the American Dental Hygienists' Association is presented. Introductions to each paper are made by Cheryl Westphal. Papers are as follows: "Innovate or Rennovate?" (Connie Tussing); "Internal Forces Influencing Innovation" (Arch Lugenbeel); "Regional Linkage Programs" (Steven Jensen);…

The Children's Center, a combined public and private day care center in Connecticut, was the site of a practicum intervention which was rooted in the belief that day care centers have the responsibility to defend childhood, link preschools and public schools, and engage in political advocacy for children. Major goals of the intervention were to:…

Social and psychological development shapes a child's character and personality as well as academic achievement. This article examines five factors that are critical to this development: self-esteem, achievement motivation, social skills, coping skills, and aspirations. Self-esteem should be a desired result in and of itself, enhancing the quality…

Gareth Morgan's "Images of Organization" introduces readers to "holographic organization" and explores his concepts of connectivity and redundancy, simultaneous specialization and generalization, minimum critical specification, and self-organization. This paper attempts to put these concepts into operation successfully by using data, surveys,…

Public education begins with kindergarten for most children, but an estimated 1 million prekindergarten children are also in public schools, and the number is increasing. In December 1997, the National Institute on Early Childhood Development and Education in the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Educational Research and Improvement…

Examined the ages of children and developmental domains covered by state early learning standards and degree to which they are linked to state K-12 standards. Found that 39 states have or are developing state early learning standards, the majority addressing expectations for 3- to 5-year-olds. Found little guidance on adapting standards for…

Profiles a working model of a 6-to-12 class, operating from the premise that both 6-to-9 and 9-to-12 levels embody the same complete equipping of the prepared environment for the elementary level and include all the elementary presentations. Suggests that key lessons in language, mathematics, science, social studies, and history need to be…

Studied whether behavioral styles at age 3 are linked to personality traits at age 18 after identifying 5 temperament groups (undercontrolled, inhibited, confident, reserved, and well-adjusted). Results pointed to continuities across time. (DR)

Reflects on researchers' conceptions about psychological growth over the last century. Discusses five themes relevant to developmental research: (1) the selection of phenomena for study; (2) the use of continuous dimensions or categories to describe children's characteristics; (3) continuity versus discontinuity in development; (4) the influence…

Those attempting to more clearly articulate proficiency-based foreign-language instructional programs should ensure the following: (1) language learning is seen as a developmental rather than incremental process; (2) achievement and proficiency are clearly distinguished; (3) content is seen as broad and varied; and (4) proficiency is not a method.…

Continuity over time in parent-child attachments and the relationship between these attachments and current self-esteem were studied for 218 nonparent college students. Results indicate continuity over time of attachment. Self-esteem is related to childhood and adolescent styles of attachment and dimensions of independence encouragement and…

Examines the impact of European demographic changes on discontinuities in young children's lives. Maintains that early childhood educators should react to changes on the contextual and familial level. Advocates teaching children coping strategies for transitions in individual and family development and in the educational system. (Author/KB)

Describes a framework supporting continuity in early childhood and in turn smoothing young children's transitions, including transition to elementary school. Model's elements are families as partners, shared leadership, comprehensive and responsive services, culture and home language, communication, knowledge and skill development, appropriate…