This article deals with one of the multiple and complex aspects that shapes quality in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC), such as teachers' professional development. It presents the successful case of the RIECU Network in Spain in which for almost two decades the following institutions have been cooperating: (1) the university, responsible…

The authors describe a collaboration to create a series of social justice-oriented curriculum maps for a predominantly White preschool. The researchers explore their own identities and biases, how racism disadvantages individuals and groups, and the resulting curriculum design.

Robust school-university partnerships can create continuous systems of educator learning that focus on systemic change and the simultaneous renewal of both educators and the organizations within which they work to improve outcomes, opportunities, and access for P-12 students and their teachers. This article is a case of the Project PREP…

Research practice partnerships (RPPs) that include parents and teachers as cocreators of educational programs provide opportunities to build equitable partnerships yet require university partners to intentionally develop spaces for coconstruction and synergistic interactions. RPPs built within a third space can foster engagement of all partners in…

A goal of university undergraduate early childhood teacher preparation programs is to create meaningful experiences that allow teacher candidates to learn theory and evidence-based best practices they will carry into their classrooms as professional educators. They should have direct interactions with young learners to apply coursework to the real…

Developing a third space in preschool teacher education is fundamental for a true partnership to thrive. Strong partnerships between stakeholders in teacher education can empower student teachers and influence their professional development. However, research indicates a disconnection between the theory that students learn and their practical…

Higher education faculty members make decisions to use experiential learning techniques such as service-learning as a method of teaching and learning. Some choose to teach P-16 (preschool through higher education) service-learning courses, which include a higher education course, P-12 (preschool through grade 12) course, and a community partner.…

Research suggests that traditional models for principal preparation often do not adequately prepare principals for the challenges of their daily work. This study examines how one private university in the south utilized a Grow Your Own (GYO) concept to provide principal candidates with more authentic field-based cohort learning that revolved…

In the aftermath of the acute phases of COVID-19, some schools are adopting trauma-informed, high-leverage practices to help educators and students cope with the psychological impact of the pandemic on learning. Given the scope of the pandemic's devastation, scattershot approaches are not enough. A systemic approach is needed to ensure that all…

Consistent, sensitive caregiving across home and childcare contexts supports optimal development. In this paper, we share the story of the development of Hearts and Minds on Babies (HMB) for Early Head Start (EHS) administrators, teachers, and parents. HMB was designed to support caregiver reflective functioning and sensitivity and reduce…

Connecting university methods courses and teacher daily practice is a persistent challenge in teacher education. Another challenge is preparing teachers to enact equitable instruction that meets the needs of an increasingly diverse student population. We take on these challenges by supporting practicing elementary teachers to design case-based…

Head Start, the largest early learning program in the United States, provides free federally funded, high-quality early learning for children alongside wraparound supports for parents. Its mission includes helping families achieve self-sufficiency and economic security, such as by helping parents access and succeed in college and workforce…

Introduction: Early development of fundamental movement skills (FMS) has various health, social, emotional, cognitive, and physical benefits. However, reports indicate children's motor skill proficiencies are diminishing. Therefore, the early childhood years and early childhood educators are vital for providing opportunities for FMS development,…

"The How and Why of Laboratory Schools: Innovations and Success Stories in Teacher Preparation and Student Learning" is an eagerly anticipated exploration crafted by esteemed researchers and practitioners from some of the foremost Laboratory Schools across the United States and internationally. These institutions, also recognized as…

In this article, the authors reflect on Myrna's Children's Village, their university laboratory school located in southern New Mexico in the USA. The Village serves children from the age of six weeks to five years through an array of early childhood programs. This diversity provides a unique context, while also posing issues and concerns, such as…