Presents an ecologically based training model to guide parents and teachers in reflecting on family involvement in early childhood programs. The two-phase process involves developing a philosophy of family involvement through brainstorming, identifying family involvement themes, and creating a philosophical statement, and examining roles shared by…

Describes a parent education program for parents of young children with behavioral difficulties. Objectives were to teach parents (1) the STAR (stop, think and ask, and respond) parenting technique; (2) strategies for dealing with behavior problems; and (3) the process of setting reasonable expectations. Parents rated the program highly. (GLR)

Describes the SUCCESS program which is based on the idea that success plays a major role in determining a child's self concept and future goal setting behavior, and that systematic parental attention and positive reinforcement are basic to helping each child feel successful and valuable as a person. (MS)

Describes a student-teaching program for which responsibility is shared between the school district or day-care center and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. (SS)

Suggests ideas for using song lyrics as the basis for both literacy activities and for learning experiences that integrate language with other curricular areas. Describes a thematic unit for first graders that follows the procedures for using song picture books that are outlined in the article. (BB)

Early childhood program directors must juggle many responsibilities while averting one crisis after another. Although directors have to be experts in multitasking, most often they assume their many responsibilities with little or no specialized training. This article describes how the authors created the Directors of the Midlands Development and…

Describes the Transition-to-Kindergarten program in Brookline, Massachusetts, in which two children with asthma and potentially life-threatening food allergies were helped to stay healthy and fit into the classroom. (BB)

Describes several arts activities in early childhood classrooms, then explains why the activities are or are not creative. Discusses characteristics of creativity and ways for teachers and caregivers to encourage the creative process in children. (BB)

Innovative programs in American schools for young children are discussed under four main categories: programmed approaches, the Free Schools movement, activity-centered approaches, and increased parent involvement. (CS)

Discusses ways in which early childhood teachers can write, shape, and present poetry to young children. (BB)

Presents a teacher's guidelines for early childhood teachers who use art postcards with young children as part of the art appreciation and aesthetics program. (BB)

Discusses problems associated with teaching young children about Native Americans and their cultures. Provides alternatives to stereotypical portrayals. (BB)

Describes the transformation of women from babysitters to child care professionals as a result of becoming a family child care provider in the U.S. military Family Child Care (FCC) program. Discusses application process, orientation training, the use of peer mentors, initial setup, inspections, enrollment, caregiver training, and accreditation.…

Describes how one preschool teacher teaches children to learn to take responsibility for themselves by allowing them to make choices and decisions in the classroom within the limits of the rights and choices of others. (BB)