The need for improved access to quality services for children and their families has resulted in a wide variety of early childhood and out-of-school time initiatives. Recognizing that developing financing plans and finding funding sources are a major challenge for these initiatives, this guide is intended to assist state and local officials, as…

Drawing upon recent research findings and upon a case study of a child learning to talk and to read, the author outlines the important similarities in the development of both language and literacy. The characteristics of parent-child interaction which support language acquisition--semantic contingency, scaffolding, accountability procedures, and…

Research on early childhood education, child development, and school readiness is used to support the argument that formal schooling for children under 8 or 10 years old is less desirable than home-based instruction. Research on neurophysiology, social-emotional development, cognitive development, school entrance age, parental potential, and other…

Schools are one of the culprits responsible for the "Me" Generation's attitudes, through emphasis on the child's individuality, rights, freedoms, and lack of attention to obligations toward society. Schools should try to redress the balance by helping students realize obligations toward society as well as their individual rights.…

Reviews a 1977 research report on infant day care in New York City. Topics discussed include the sample, physical health and health surveillance, psychological development, and the children's daily experiences in child care. Main findings are summarized, and implications are discussed. (Author/DB)

This English translation of a Russian study surveys the contributions of P.P. Blonskii, a revolutionary educator who set forth the original framework for experimental socialist education. The study relates Blonskii's ideas to current Soviet educational policies. (AM)

This lengthy study analyzed cognitive, behavioral, and family background variables in boys, age 6-7 and 10-11, from socially handicapped families. (Note: Page f. . .=fiche number.) (CP)

First-, third-, and fifth-grade children and their teachers were interviewed in the fall and spring to assess the developing relationship between teachers' and students' beliefs about punishment. Teachers with more punitive beliefs had students whose beliefs were more punitive when compared with students whose teachers had less punitive beliefs.…

Proposes a more dimensional, holistic, child- and action-oriented educational-psychological approach for working with gifted preschool children, based on experiences with the Hanover Project and findings that previous kindergarten educational reforms in Germany did not sufficiently recognize and promote gifted preschool children. Examines…

Examined effects of early supportive parenting on children's school adjustment. Found that supportive parenting (maternal warmth, proactive teaching, inductive discipline, and positive involvement) predicted adjustment (behavior problems, social skills, and academic performance) in grade 6, even after controlling for kindergarten adjustment and…

Discusses the importance of using developmentally appropriate practices in early childhood classrooms, especially in teaching gifted students. Describes characteristics of young gifted children, emphasizing their advanced abilities in specific domains. Concludes that educators need to understand each child as a unique individual and should strive…

Examined the nature and stability of teacher ratings of early learning-related social skills in 72 preschoolers (3 to 4 years old) and again 1 year later. Confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modeling revealed that a construct labeled "learning-related social skills," tapping self-control, cooperation, assertion, and…

Describes obstacles presented by poverty in the fulfillment of the basic needs of children. Individually addresses Maslow's five basic needs with regard to children reared in poverty: (1) physiological needs; (2) safety needs; (3) belonging and love needs; (4) self-esteem needs; and (5) self-actualization needs. (Author/SD)

Presents the historical development of early childhood education in the Netherlands, including the dilemma of reconciling strongly child-centered kindergarten curricula with adequate preparation for primary school. Describes the issues presented by immigrant children and argues that acceptance of cultural diversity, educating the individual within…

Assessed the quality of home and out-of-home care environments, child temperament, and the development of verbal abilities among infants at 18 months and then at 8 years of age. Found that both tested and rated cognitive abilities at age 8 were related to earlier measures of verbal ability and to paternal involvement during preschool years. (MOK)