Looping--which is sometimes called multiyear teaching or multiyear placement--occurs when a teacher is promoted with her students to the next grade level with the same group of children for two or three years. What results is a continuity of relationship with their teacher that enables children to flourish. In this article, the authors discuss the…

Argues that "redshirting" in kindergarten (or maintaining children in grade) can be a positive intervention if (1) the concept is used to enhance ability rather than underline failure and (2) the time periods children spend in the primary grades are made more flexible (to accommodate children's different rates of mastering skills). (KS)

Examined the ages of children and developmental domains covered by state early learning standards and degree to which they are linked to state K-12 standards. Found that 39 states have or are developing state early learning standards, the majority addressing expectations for 3- to 5-year-olds. Found little guidance on adapting standards for…

James L. Hymes, Jr., former President of NAEYC and member of the original Head Start Planning Committee, is interviewed about his hopes for and disappointments with Head Start during the past 20 years. Highlights Head Start's initial benefits to families, children, and the early childhood profession; program quality; and continued lack of federal…

Describes the development of a Head Start-public school partnership in Oregon from space sharing and mutually planned activities to coordinating a seamless transition between programs. Focuses on the joint use of the First Steps reading, writing, spelling, and oral language developmental continuums. Concludes that the newly articulated curriculum…

Discusses emotional responses and adjustment problems of preschool children when relocating. Particularly addresses young child's perspective on moving, typical reactions to relocating, and parent and teacher strategies to ease transition to new environment. Such strategies include (1) maintaining empathy, (2) being flexible, (3) being observant…

Details five standards, from preschool through middle school, present in successful programs for students at risk of academic failure: joint productive activity, language and literacy across the curriculum, contextualization, challenging activities, and instructional conversation. Compares NAEYC's developmentally appropriate practices to the…

Describes a preschool teacher's transition from a traditional kindergarten to a multi-age, multi-year (looping) program. Lists common complaints heard from more-traditional teachers receiving children from more-developmentally appropriate classrooms. Explains the importance of using whole language with quality children's books for Spanish-speaking…