Assesses articles in this special issue on reconceptualizing early childhood education. Maintains articles are based on conception of education in which teachers are not concerned with adopting a canon but with developing sensitivity needed to see children's place in their community and society and to structure classroom activities that encourage…

Alternative programs developed in early childhood education over the years, from Colonial church communities to Montessori to current developmentally appropriate practices, are reviewed. It is suggested that teachers with limited perspectives on curriculum may violate the various ways of young children's knowing. (LB)

Argues for expanding the present discourse on developmental appropriateness on the grounds that this discourse assumes consensus about child development; is premised on a suspect notion of broad, universal stages; and ignores alternative perspectives on learning and development and the relationship between the two. (LB)