The purpose of this study was to examine similarities and differences in the perceptions of childcare among early childhood teachers in Japan and the USA. Participants consisted of 278 Japanese early childhood teachers (10 males and 268 females) on the Japanese mainland and 78 American early childhood teachers (5 males and 73 females) in the…

Addresses several important aspects of young children's involvement with security objects, including why certain children have them, how they are used, when attachments to such objects are cause for concern, and how teachers and parents can respond in ways that promote the young child's development. (BB)

Behaviors and attitudes established early in life greatly affect friendships, parent-child relationships, and other personal contacts as children grow and develop into adults. Parents and other adults need to recognize and nurture the development of characteristics in children that can lead to intimacy, and to become aware of factors that induce…

Presented are the keynote address and sectional presentations made at a conference on early childhood education. Speakers offered various perspectives on high quality programs for children and families. The keynote address, given by Bettye Caldwell, concerned marketing quality programs for children, exploring internal and external deterrents,…

This essay examines distinctions between the roles of mothers and teachers, and draws implications for mothers, teachers, parent education programs, and research. Differences between the roles of mothers and teachers are discussed in terms of seven dimensions: (1) scope of functions (diffuse and limitless versus specific and limited); (2)…

Literature on parent-toddler affiliative behavior which reflects the dynamic and reciprocal nature of parent-toddler interaction is reviewed in this paper, including an ecosystems perspective. Affiliative behaviors for parents and toddlers are defined with respect to the verbal and physical behaviors of both parent and toddler. Also, research…

This guide is designed to assist employed parents in preparing themselves and their children for a successful child care experience. Chapter 1 covers child care selection, including resources available to aid in selection, characteristics of quality care, comparative shopping, and changing child care programs. Chapter 2 provides tips for preparing…

Examines children's response to initial separation as they enter school or day care. Suggests that starting school is normally accompanied by some degree of anxiety for both children and parents. Examines two patterns of insecure attachment: anxious-avoidant and anxious-resistant. Offers ideas and practical suggestions for helping parents and…

This study investigates the father's contribution to child development in the context of a triadic family constellation, integrating data that parallel previous investigations of fathers: differences in children's behavior to mother and father, differences in mothers' and fathers' behavior to the child, and correlations between parental and child…

Child care and early education have been acclaimed by advocates in Great Britain and the United States as the key to economic and academic success, the basis for social justice and equality, a business opportunity, and the remedy for poverty, welfare dependency, crime, and educational failure. This book examines the research basis for these…

In honor of the contributions of Greta G. Fein to the fields of developmental psychology and early childhood education, a community of scholars prepared this volume to explore how social play arises, social play's developmental and educational significance, and the ways in which social play can be promoted in early childhood settings. In addition,…