Executive functioning (EF) is a key cognitive process for development. Little is known about EF in Kindergarten children at risk for developmental coordination disorder (DCD), despite this age being one of the most critical and intensive period of motor and cognitive development. In our investigation we compared EF in kindergarten children at risk…

In 2 studies, the authors examined the development of the relationship between inductive reasoning and visual recognition memory. In both studies, 5- to 6-year-old children and adults were shown instances of a basic-level category (dogs) followed by a test set containing old and new category members that varied in their similarity to study items.…

By the time children enter kindergarten, significant socioeconomic and racial gaps in academic achievement exist (Coley, 2002; Rouse, Brooks-Gunn, & Mclanahan, 2005). Kindergarten is considered to be a pivotal point of educational transition, as academic achievement upon kindergarten entry is associated with subsequent academic success…

Children and adults often judge that the side effects of the actions of an uncaring story agent have been intentional if the effects are harmful but not if these are beneficial, creating an asymmetrical "side-effect" effect. The authors report 3 experiments involving 4- and 5-year-olds (N = 188) designed to clarify the role of foreknowledge and…

This study traces patterns of attendance, times of arrival and departure, and policies and practices surrounding enrollment and moving children from classroom to classroom in a child care center. It appears that children's efforts to acquire competence in developing friendships with their peers not only depends on their own capacities, but is also…

Explored the stability of temperament of 450 Australian children. One of the child's parents completed a measure of the child's temperament at 5 instances between 18 months and 8 years. Approach, irritability, cooperation-manageability, inflexibility, rhythmicity, and persistence factors showed substantial continuity from infancy to eight years.…

Home/kindergarten transition activities comprise two distinct categories: those involving coordination or communication between school and preschool levels and those including parents as participants. Transition activities are more often found in schools with a prekindergarten program, a high poverty level among families served, and considerable…

Successful early childhood program transitions involve the coordination and continuation of developmental and comprehensive services from birth through age eight. This guide is designed to facilitate the successful transition of children and their families into and out of Early Head Start and Head Start programs and assists in planning for daily…

This study examined barriers to the implementation of continuity-of-care practices in child care centers. We collected qualitative and quantitative data for 52 children at four centers that advertise their programs as continuity programs. Of the 52 children, only 7 of the children had been cared for in a single child-caregiver dyad between the…

Cites examples from Pacific Rim countries to illustrate concerns about the ongoing process of continuity between early childhood programs. Includes discussion of philosophical, curricular, developmental, physical, organizational, and administrative continuities. Reiterates that the challenge of maintaining continuity among early childhood programs…

Reports on a study of 18 pairs of mothers and infants of 14-22 months to determine the cognitive and social development of the child in its second year. Results support the prediction that a new stage of development is achieved between 18 and 22 months in both cognitive and social domains. (RJC)

Examines the impact of European demographic changes on discontinuities in young children's lives. Maintains that early childhood educators should react to changes on the contextual and familial level. Advocates teaching children coping strategies for transitions in individual and family development and in the educational system. (Author/KB)

Examined the role of early versus ongoing maternal responsiveness in predicting cognitive and social development for full-term and preterm children (low- and high-risk) at five ages. Found that children, especially preterm children, showed faster cognitive growth when mothers were consistently responsive. Social growth was similar in the…

Yearly cognitive tests were administered to adoptive and nonadoptive siblings between one and seven years of age and identical and nonidentical twins between one and three years. Results indicated that genetic influences are a source of continuity and change in mental development, whereas shared and nonshared environmental effects contribute to…

Planning for smooth transitions of young children and their families receiving educational and other services evolved out of a concern for providing continuity in the environment of young children. This document of the SouthEastern Regional Vision for Education (SERVE), a consortium of educational organizations devoted to promoting and supporting…