Head Start is a federally funded early childhood education programme that takes a unique 2-generation approach to working with families. Family engagement in early education like Head Start has been shown to improve academic and behavioural outcomes in children, with particular beneficial effects in the children of immigrant parents. This study…

Play is traditionally considered the foundation of learning in the early years. Because play is characterized by free choice, it can be difficult for adults to ensure all learning is useful for children. The intervention described here took a novel approach to this problematic. It exposed 17 four-year-olds to different adult demonstrations to see…

Examines the changing needs for early childhood education, arguing that the ideal curriculum should have a developmentally appropriate, hands-on, multisensory approach to learning and should include play. Explores several innovative multigenerational approaches to the complex problems of quality and affordability in early childhood programs. (HTH)

Discusses the positive benefits of having young children interact with older adults, citing research reports and the experiences of one elementary school's partnership with a senior citizens center. Provides the results of student, parent, teacher, and senior citizen surveys on the partnership. (MDM)