Early childhood educators are facing the challenge of creating quality educational programs for young children from an increasingly diverse mix of racial and cultural backgrounds. Programs that, in the past, have largely ignored the diversity of their participants must re-examine approaches that emphasize the universality of linear lists of…

The SMART planning system is examined as a tool for teachers working toward the successful inclusion of children with disabilities. Four focus areas are discussed connected with the SMART acronym: Select curriculum and approaches; Match instruction to child; Adapt when necessary; Relevant skills targeted; Test to inform instruction. Suggestions on…

Notes that as more young children with disabilities are included in classrooms for children who are developing typically, practitioners must continue to identify and refine strategies for making inclusion successful. Discusses a successful inclusion program that is observation based and child initiated. Discusses a procedure that facilitates the…

Noting that understanding the contexts, continuities, and controversies of early childhood education is a particularly challenging task because of the diversity of the field, this book provides a critical examination of the issues and controversies surrounding early childhood practices, policies, and professional development. The book's chapters…

This book compiles abstracts of presentations from a symposium held in honor of Dr. Bernard Spodek, a leading scholar in early childhood education, on the occasion of his retirement. Topics addressed are as follows: (1) culture in early childhood curriculum; (2) developmental and cultural appropriateness; (3) kindergarten in Japan; (4) pressure…

This study examined the relationship between developmentally appropriate and traditional teaching methods and the mathematics achievement of 15 average and 10 students with disabilities. Data were collected in four first grade classes, one second grade class, and one multi-age inclusion program. A descriptive research design was used with…

This volume contains summaries of 13 presentations at the PACE (Positive Approaches to Children's Education) conference. The titles are: "Fabulous Fitness Fun" (Deborah L. Arfman); "Manipulative Equipment Modified for Success" (Noel Bewley); "Fitness Play-Focus on Fun" (Noel Bewley); "Keeping Them All Moving:…

A proposed position statement for a Southern Early Childhood Association (SECA) conference session focusing on children with special needs in the regular educational program is presented in the document. The proposal highlights the importance of inclusion of those children in a regular educational program and the need for caregivers to be able to…

Over the past 30 years, Florida's 500 middle schools have become more sizeable, racially segregated, and security conscious. Other features include interdisciplinary team organization, warring curricula, block schedules, integrated technology, inclusion, ability grouping, corporate practices, and female and minority principals committed to…