Research in language development has only recently begun to focus on the inherent variability of language. Previous studies have explored at what age children begin to produce variable linguistic forms and how these forms progress through development. While children produce adult-like variation early on, some variable forms take longer to acquire…

Featured article discusses feeding infants, advocating use of homemade baby food as more economical, healthy, environmentally friendly, tasty, and smoothing the transition to finger foods. Also presents innovative classroom techniques, such as detergent box totes, and a forum for open discussion of child care topics, such as student evaluation and…

Describes how infants and toddlers learn to use action, object, picture, and word symbols, and offers suggestions for educators and caregivers to facilitate symbol use. Discusses how adults can introduce books to young children and enhance the symbolic aspect of the care and education program. (KB)

Presents 30 suggestions for preventing behavior problems among infants and toddlers in child care settings. The suggestions are in four areas: (1) environment; (2) caregiver style; (3) organization and routines; and (4) child to child: as situations happen. (KB)

Describes preliteracy skills in infants and toddlers and the ways adults encourage them, including communicating, incorporating floor and object play, and giving them a wide variety of real experiences. Asserts that caregivers can reassure parents by showing them how they encourage children's intellectual development on a daily basis. (KB)

Discusses issues associated with continuity of care--the practice of keeping the same primary caregiver with infants and toddlers for two or three years. Outlines six advantages of continuity of care for children, parents, and caregivers. Answers several objections to the practice and describes some variations. (TJQ)

Examines the transition in child care from the infant room into the toddler room from the perspectives of the parents, the child, and the caregiver. Suggests strategies for easing the transition by moving the caregivers with the children, moving one caregiver to the toddler room, making transition gradual, and retaining the positive aspects of the…

Two articles discuss problems that infant caregivers deal with in their work place. The first article provides ideas on how to take care of and pacify a crying baby; the second discusses the experience of a caregiver in a group child-care situation which involved her own child, noting the transition from infant room to toddler room. (AA)

Discusses issues of concern related to children who spend long days in childcare centers. Suggests that mother-child attachment is the biggest concern, and that consistent long days for babies require special planning for both parents and teachers. Suggestions for reducing children's stress in these situations by making life predictable and calm…

More and more teachers report the increasing incidence of crises in children's lives, crises that interfere with the child's ability to learn. Noting that developmentally appropriate curricula must respond to the issues of immediate concern and interest to children, this source book assists teachers in facing difficult issues in the classroom and…