The Small Island Developing State of Jamaica, in the Caribbean region, is facing significant environmental, economic, and social challenges. Violence has become a serious challenge for Jamaica and several other countries in the region; the level of violence against and among children is particularly disturbing. Perhaps even more troubling is the…

Literacy programs often target preschool children who are from minority groups, are from low socioeconomic backgrounds, and are second language learners, as they are deemed to be at risk for academic difficulties. The family literacy program described in this article is unique in that it focuses on families who have an additional risk…

Describes ways in which the inclusion of literacy materials in kindergarten classroom dramatic play centers encourages young children to incorporate literacy activities into their play. (BB)

Describes the four levels of the early childhood education system in Cuba. Includes information on home visit programs for new parents, child care programs, preschool programs, programs for 5-year-olds, and primary school programs. Emphasizes that parents, relatives, teachers, and the larger community share the responsibility of educating young…

Provides guidelines for conducting art activities with very young children, paying particular attention to the function of play equipment as artistic catalyst, approaches to creativity, and the role of the adult in providing a supportive presence. (RH)

Describes practices, facilities, and goals of Cuban day care programs and makes some comparisons with American day care programs. (ED)

Outlines a planning strategy for an early childhood developmental curriculum that provides for the education of children, and makes allowance for the values and goals of their teachers and parents. (BB)

In an attempt to create more individualized modes of instruction for elementary pupils, the University of North Dakota established an alternative teacher education program to prepare both prospective and experienced teachers for their new roles in changing schools. (AJ)

Focuses, in summary fashion, on the history and development of children's play-groups in the Netherlands, as well as their goals and philosophy, classroom structure and format, the role of parents, requirements for teachers and staffing, and methods of financing. (Author/RH)

Maintains that a child's cognitive growth is greatly enhanced by attending to the level of emotional warmth between teacher and child. But attempts at satisfying affective needs put the educator in a precarious position. An affective program in an elementary school that minimizes such risks is described. (BB)

Through the High Scope Curriculum Demonstration Project, which explored the use of microcomputers with children aged 3 to 7, it was found that microcomputers can be an educational asset when they are integrated into a developmental program in a way that supports the goals of the curriculum. (BB)

Examines the problem of safety and security for homeless children and their families, and discusses the responsibility of schools to educate and assist homeless children. Describes specific programs that school districts have implemented to educate, feed, and care for homeless children. (MDM)

A progress report of research on the long-term effects of a home-oriented preschool program. (CM)

Maintains that full-day kindergarten programs can derive at least part of their curriculum from the diverse gifts of social and cultural knowledge that children bring to the classroom. Includes a description of a kindergarten class that explored the topic of grandparents. (BB)

Examines the present state of early care and education in Ghana. Includes historical background related to mission schools and day nurseries prior to independence from Britain. Describes the current registration and supervision of early childhood programs, the types of preschool facilities, and future plans for early childhood development.…