The United States has achieved nearly universal access to education and has witnessed a phenomenal growth in the number of children who attend child care programs. In addition, researchers and practitioners are making notable advances in the field of early childhood music. Many preschools, however, feel pressure to accelerate learning for young…

As we enter a new century, Americans are engaged in a serious national debate about the future of education. Much of the policy discussion about educational reform is focused on the school achievement gap between children of low-income families and other children, and on the stated goal of assuring "no child left behind." Research has…

By the time they enter kindergarten, many low-income children are already behind their peers from more advantaged backgrounds. During early childhood, low-income children face a number of risk factors that threaten healthy development and learning, including low birth weight, stunted growth, obesity, and lead poisoning--all of which are associated…