Explores the role of NAEYC' accreditation in improving the quality of early childhood programs. Highlights the importance of the self-study process during accreditation procedures. (HTH)

Interest in assessment of young children increased after readiness testing abuses in the 1980s. The pressure of demonstrating educational accountability through children's standardized test performance increased the use of skills-driven curricula. It also created an inappropriate learning environment in which readiness tests were used to remove…

Maintains that early childhood teacher evaluation practices urgently need reform and that effective practices should (1) draw on multiple data sources, including peers, parents, children, administrators, and teachers themselves; (2) view teacher growth as an ongoing process; (3) examine individualized goals and methods; and (4) involve teachers as…

This response to a previous article comparing guidelines for developmentally appropriate practice in the fields of early childhood education and early intervention/special education stresses the importance of individualizing application of principles and the need to look beyond effectiveness and efficiency as dimensions for evaluating practice.…

Points out that computer software which is to be used with young children in early childhood classes must be designed and selected to reflect a sound developmental approach to learning. Also presents 10 criteria for developmentally appropriate software and reviews several developmentally appropriate computer programs for young children. (BB)

Maintains that children's museums provide unique opportunities that engage families in intergenerational exploration and learning. Provides criteria for selecting a museum that serves developmental needs of children and adults alike. (BB)

Discusses the narrative report, which is an alternative to the traditional report card for reporting children's development and progress to parents. Examples of entries in a narrative report are included. (BB)