Defines crying as a baby's tool of communication and suggests an alphabet of ideas that assist in interpreting reasons and developing solutions for a crying infant. (BAC)

Presents information on caring for infants in a child care setting. Suggestions include responding quickly to crying, setting the schedule to baby's pace, talking to the baby, using proper hand-washing procedures, checking the room daily for safety, going outdoors every day, and building partnerships with parents. Includes a sample form for…

Presents games for caregivers to use with infants to enhance brain development. Includes games that develop trust and security, language skills, and fine motor skills, as well as games that are fun or stimulate vision. Includes videotape references for parents and caregivers. (KB)

Lists tips to enhance toddler-adult relationships focusing on respectful interactions and a constructive environment. Emphasizes the following developmental needs and interests of toddlers: (1) supporting development; (2) planning the environment; (3) guidance for toddlers; (4) toddler play; (5) developmental milestones for toddlers; and (6) what…

Presents geography activities for 2- to 7-year-olds in child care and early education settings. Includes activities related to physical regions, regional changes, and traditions and culture. Activities are presented by age group and include suggestions for songs and ethnic foods to try. Asserts that geography instruction helps children observe and…

Explores challenges faced by caregivers working with school-age children. Suggests guidance techniques based on understanding of children's emotional, social, physical, and intellectual characteristics. Focuses on appropriate use of environment, group management and problem solving, and development of self-discipline. (BAC)

Discusses the problem of toddler biting behavior in child care settings. Describes reasons for biting by toddlers, recommends caregiver responses to toddler biting, presents tips for observing children to identify the biter's patterns, and outlines ways to prevent biting in child care settings. (KB)

Discusses the following six strategies for using positive discipline in the classroom: (1) develop appropriate limits; (2) teach expected behavior; (3) give cues for expected behaviors; (4) redirect behavior; (5) change situations by increasing options; and (6) change situations by decreasing options. Contrasts different caregiving styles and…

Presents sand and water activities for young children as examples of sensory explorations, science activities, and comforting play. Includes information on health and safety precautions, adaptations for children with physical disabilities, the use of other materials, and sand and water toys made from one-liter plastic bottles. (KB)

Discusses results of an informal survey conducted in 17 child-care facilities in the Nacogdoches area of east Texas. The survey focused on parents' needs and concerns about child care. Results revealed what parents want in caregivers, which experiences are best, which services are valued most, what parents would change, what concerns parents most,…

Discusses ways child caregivers can help the children they care for cope with separation anxiety by preparing for transitions. Includes suggestions for preparing the classroom, helping children and parents become comfortable in the classroom, and using rituals to make transitions easier for children and parents at the beginning and the end of the…

Describes the common symptoms of stress exhibited by young children including: (1) social or behavioral; (2) physical; (3) emotional; (4) cognitive; and (5) language. Addresses causes of stress, which typically represent change, fear, or loss in children. Offers strategies for easing children's stress including muscle relaxation, deep breathing,…

Describes the role caregivers play in helping young children dealing with obesity. Examines: (1) causes of childhood obesity; (2) caregiver's position; (3) learning nutrition concepts; (4) preparing and serving healthy foods; (5) encouraging physical activity; (6) working with parents; and (7) assisting an obese child. (SD)

Highlights the concept of infant mental health and discusses what early care and education professionals can do to boost babies' emotional well-being. Offers steps for the following specific strategies: (1) developing trust; (2) being alert to risk conditions; (3) nurturing children's mental health; (4) creating supportive environments; and (5)…

Describes how caregivers can support young children's writing development. Outlines stages of writing: scribbling, drawing, invented letters, random letters, copying words, developmental spelling, and conventional spelling. Provides tips on what to say to children in each stage of writing. (KB)