This Reflection on Practice is based upon a change in the undergraduate course "Family and Community Relations." Historically, this course has been taught on campus in a lecture format, as well as small and large group activities. However, during a spring semester at a midsized Midwestern University, it was altered to provide more direct…

This report presents information collected at a pre-conference roundtable on various aspects of mentoring programs which are seen as a potential solution to the staffing crisis in early childhood education. Part 1 defines the terms "mentoring" and "mentoring programs." It describes the nature of the relationship between mentors…

From an intergenerational training program for caregivers of children and frail elderly emerged a model for making program decisions. The model clusters potential activities in five categories: recreation/leisure, education, health promotion, public service, and personal development. It has four levels of selection criteria: match activities to…

Substitute caregivers are needed by day care centers in every state. Indeed, some areas are experiencing severe shortages of applicants for child care positions and short-term substitute work. This article describes problems encountered in current substitute caregiver systems and suggests ways of dealing with such problems. Specifically discussed…

This paper presents a brief overview of research relevant to early childhood education, reviews some recent intervention programs for preschool and kindergarten children, and investigates the need for policymakers to establish programs based on research findings. Particular attention is given to an intervention research study conducted with…

Programs involving elderly persons in the provision of child care services have evolved as a possible solution to problems identified by working parents and the elderly. Community members must work together on clearly defined objectives if opportunities are to be provided for elderly persons to participate in meaningful intergenerational child…

Examines the question of crossing cultures in early childhood education settings. Suggests that parenting education should focus on clarifying parents' values and goals rather than on socializing them into the standard early childhood perspectives. Suggests that early childhood educators help people clarify their cultural values and examine how…

Discusses advantages of and criteria for development of effective caregiving teams in child care programs. (BB)

Current reform efforts in early childhood teacher education have recommended movement toward a child-centered learning environment that incorporates nongraded classrooms, cooperative learning, and parent and teacher control of schools. However, several barriers exist in achieving an effective, coordinated delivery system of early childhood…

This article offers guidelines for designing inservice education for personnel working with young children with disabilities and their families. Discussion covers definitions, assumptions, support and start up, initial planning, program design, evaluation, implementation, and follow-up. It identifies special considerations and circumstances…

In brief response to a paper presented at a conference, the distinction between training and education is emphasized in terms of mission and institutions best equipped to provide each service. Discussion subsequently focuses on the need for the development of detailed descriptions of the various positions in child care, along with statements of…

Discusses historic significance of kinship care in preserving African American families, development of kinship care and family preservation programs, and importance of the natural relationship between the two. Presents findings on states' use of kinship care in plans for the Family Preservation and Support Services Act, and explores whether they…

Contains seven papers divided into three sections addressing: (1) the application of marketing principles to child care organizations and ways of remedying the negative public image of child care; (2) training child care professionals to develop marketing skills; and (3) successful uses of five basic marketing skills illustrated through four case…

This report describes early childhood development (ECD) in Africa and the Bernard van Leer Foundation's strategies for early childhood programs in African nations. Chapter 1 examines the context in which Africa's children are growing up, focusing on the hardships that many children face, as well as the efforts made by families, communities, and…

This report covers the risks to health, safety, and emotional well-being for infants and toddlers in child care settings, and examines opportunities for diminishing those risks and promoting healthy development. Part 1 examines the risks of poor caregiving practices, including the spread of infectious disease, the incidence of injury, and the…