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)

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…

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…

Argues that, to be considered true professionals, early childhood educators need to have a sound understanding of the theoretical framework of child development and early childhood education; advance developmentally appropriate practices; and consider their pupils on an individual basis through a child-centered curriculum. (MDM)

Drawing on experiences in North America, the United Kingdom, and other countries, this book examines the debate over the overall vision for early childhood education. The nature and quality of the United Kingdom's and other countries' culture is questioned in respect to the future it provides for children. The question of who is able to provide a…

Explores some widely held assumptions concerning the role of child development knowledge in teaching young children. Issues explored include What does the term "development" mean? What child development knowledge should be learned? Can we agree on a body of child development knowledge and principles? Why has the role of child development knowledge…

Examines issues pertaining to the development of a formal knowledge base to guide the thinking and practice of early childhood teachers. Discusses the authors' views on formal knowledge, practice and reflection, and the process of teacher education, and how these views are operationalized in the master's level program at Erikson Institute in…

Examines how the terms "child development knowledge" and "teacher preparation" have come to be understood in ways that place limits on how we think about children and the preparation of teachers. Illustrates some of the differences between modernism and postmodernism, then considers why a universal practice premised on a universal theory of…

Introduces the articles presented in this special collection and provides the appropriate context for discussing the relationship between changes in the child development knowledge base and their implications for early childhood teacher preparation and practice. Presents an overview of recent developments in both the preparation and practice…

Following the introduction of the middle school in the 1960s with its advocacy of a 5-8 or 6-8 grade configuration, no comprehensive statement appeared to crystallize the educational beliefs inherent in this emerging educational reform effort. This paper is not just a revision of the 1982 position statement, but a "re-vision" of middle…