The following manuscript explores the application of family science theories to the field of child life. Ecological systems theory, family systems theory, and conflict theory will be presented and applied to child life. These theories explain the responsibilities and experiences of the specialist, their relationship with patients and families, and…

Recent changes made by the Council for Professional Recognition to the Child Development Associate (CDA) credentialing program create an opportunity to redesign high school child development programs. On April 1, 2011, the Council for Professional Recognition lifted the age restriction in the CDA credentialing requirements, now allowing students…

As barriers to online learning, such as lack of access to high-speed Internet connections, disappear, online learning opportunities are likely to become more and more available to early childhood educators. The eCDA program provides an individualized approach to training and support for earning the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential,…

Although the Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) has a long history, beginning with its inception in 1892 as the International Kindergarten Union, members have more recently made a commitment to value the international perspectives in their goals and actions. Since then, ACEI has adopted as its mission to "promote and support…

Profiles the life and career of James L. Hymes, Jr., the child development and parent education specialist, teacher and parent educator, and child and parent advocate. Emphasizes Hymes' publications and television work. (LB)

The purpose of this chapter is to provide a very personal series of reflections on the current debate on risk and accountability in child protection and child and youth care as the former strives to come out of a period of volunteerism and professionalize itself (McElwee, 1998; Share & McElwee, 2005). Irish culture has grown more individualist…

Urie Bronfenbrenner (1917-2005) was a pioneer in studying the behavior of children in their natural life space of family, school, peer group, and community. His concept of the ecology of human development is transforming practice for effective work with children and youth. Bronfenbrenner's research highlights the power of human relationships to…

This brief paper discusses how in 10 year's time a system for providing caregiver training was developed in Texas. The training accessibility system consists of five dimensions: publications, free materials, resource rooms, child development specialists, Title XX training contracts and traveling resource vans. Tips for program continuity under…

This article uses the case study of 3-year-old Anna and her parents to illustrate how a child development specialist can be integrated into a private pediatric practice. First, pediatrician Hamburger describes how she and other members of her practice integrated a child development specialist into their pediatric practice. Second, Anna's parents…

Ten characteristics of child development clinicians functioning at higher levels in therapeutic play are added to the 10 proposed in a previous article. These demonstrate a growth in sophistication and versatility and extend the clinician's effectiveness in all aspects of children's personality functioning: the physical, emotional-social, and…

A child development team in a children's services unit of a mental health center should: (1) formulate a broad philosophy of treatment for young child clients; (2) evaluate treatment approaches to determine the extent to which they facilitate or conflict with that philosophy; (3) assess inservice training needs to ensure competency-based service…

This article describes community-based developmental assessment (CDA) sites as one means for early identification of infants and toddlers with disabilities. At CDA sites, developmentalists assess referred children for developmental status and serve as liaison between the referring physician and the early intervention system. CDA sites are cost…

Identifies emerging issues and challenges facing lab schools nationwide as they attempt to build support for their programs. Offers recommendations for strengthening the roles lab programs play in the early childhood field, such as expecting staff to be involved in leadership activities (like outside workshops) and making facilities attractive to…

This bulletin traces the history of Oregon's Child Development Specialist (CDS) program, desribes development of the program model, discusses the qualifications and role of the specialist, presents a brief overview of the implementation of the CDS program in Salem (Oregon), provides evidence of the state program's success, and suggests methods for…

Two issues in early childhood special education personnel development (personnel shortages and state certification policies) are examined via a literature review and a survey. Both competency and experiential based certification policies are studied. Recommendations are made for developing appropriate certification/competency requirements and…