A survey of 55 rural Idaho elementary principals examined developmentally appropriate practices in preschool and primary education. These principals understood the meaning of best practices for young children, but claimed that external factors blocked their efforts to implement them. Interviews suggest that principals attempt to be simultaneously…

Explains that early childhood music education deserves special attention in light of emerging research on musical growth and growth through music during children's early years. Introduces the special focus on music and early childhood education and describes the articles within the series. (CMK)

Discusses the importance of the Reggio Emilia approach in relation to cultural and professional attitudes. Claims that the preschools of Reggio Emilia have evolved to their current preeminence because those involved in Italy have set themselves the task of overcoming the impediments to dialog. Encourages the development of communities of inquiry…

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 issues present in early childhood music education, including the role of parent involvement, a balance between spontaneity and structure in the learning environment, the certification requirements for early childhood teachers, and educational research. Provides resources for early childhood music education. (CMK)

Discusses two challenges facing middle level leaders in their efforts to emphasize curriculum and instruction: creating and maintaining high-quality developmentally appropriate curriculum and instruction in an era of standards-based reform and high-stakes accountability, and assisting teachers in making the changes in their classrooms that will…

This paper chronicles the development of two children with severe disabilities who were fully included in a community child care center that implemented a developmentally appropriate play-based curriculum. Data indicate that the children made progress in all areas of development over the nine-month school year. (Author/DB)

Explored beliefs and practices of Head Start, kindergarten, first-, second-, and third-grade teachers. Found that belief measures were moderately correlated and observed practices supported what teachers reported as their beliefs and practices. Beliefs were significantly more appropriate than practice at every grade level. As grade level…

Forty-eight portfolio projects were completed by 65 urban, infant-toddler childcare workers who participated in a professional development program designed to increase the quality of childcare for children with and without disabilities. Results indicated a significantly higher number of strengths-based themes in child stories written after…

This article presents a conceptual framework based on an intervention hierarchy to assist in deciding how to promote the peer interactions of young children with peer-related social competence difficulties in natural environments. It discusses making developmentally appropriate and inclusive early childhood programs the foundation for improved…

When children are assessed as being developmentally ready for competitive game play, large group games and traditional low organizational games need to be replaced by an approach that uses small-sided games, modified equipment and playing areas, and emphasizes game tactics. Manipulating factors that affect the structure and understanding of games…

A successful transition from home or preschool to kindergarten is a key component of school readiness. Yet, quite often this major step in a child's life is neither planned nor well coordinated. Thoughtful planning for this transition, however, can have a positive impact on children, families, teachers, schools, and communities that last well…

This paper proposes a theoretical framework for the development of curricula for Japanese heritage language schools. Although these schools provide most of the Japanese heritage language (JHL) instruction available to elementary and secondary school pupils, they have received little attention or support from the academic community. Specifically,…

The Research in Practice Series is published four times each year by Early Childhood Australia. The series aims to provide practical, easy to read, up-to-date information and support to a growing national readership of early childhood workers. The books bring together the best information available on wide-ranging topics and are an ideal resource…

School counselors need to have accurate and age-appropriate prevention education information in order to counsel teens on drug use. This article presents developmentally specific prevention materials for the most important emerging substances of abuse: Ecstasy, methamphetamine, cough and cold medication, prescription opiates and stimulants, and…