Early Childhood Research and 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 research and on issues related to practice, parent participation, and policy. ECRP also includes articles and essays that present opinions and reflections. This inaugural issue of ECRP includes a brief introductory editorial (Katz and Rothenberg). The following major articles: (1) "Children's Social Behavior in Relation to Participation in Mixed-Age or Same-Age Classrooms" (28 pages) (McClellan and Kinsey); (2) "Collaborative Course Development in Early Childhood Special Education through Distance Learning" (21 pages) (Hains, Conceicao-Runlee, Caro, and Marchel); (3) "The Restructuring of an Urban Elementary School: Lessons Learned as a Professional Development School Liaison" (9 pages) (Davis); (4) "A Neophyte Early Childhood Teacher's Developing Relationships with Parents: An Ecological Perspective" (15 pages) (Sumsion); (5) "Editing: Permission to Start Wrong" (9 pages) (Clemens); and (6) "International Perspectives on Early Childhood Education: Lessons from My Travels" (12 pages) (Katz); (7) "Writing for Electronic Journals" (12 pages) (Cesarone); (8) "From Themes to Projects" (15 pages) (Chard); and (9) "ERIC Database Citations on Topics Discussed in This Issue" (48 pages). A description of new products available from ERIC/EECE is included, along with general information and links related to the journal. (EV)