Ethical considerations are integral to our professional lives when we are faced with difficult choices regarding services and supports for children and families. Often, the right choice in service delivery for young children with disabilities ages birth to 5 years is unclear due to a myriad of factors potentially creating ethical dilemmas. This…

Supporting the growth and development of young children through effective communication with parents is one of the greatest challenges of the twenty-first century facing early childhood and special educators. This article examines adult communication in child care centres through data gathered via a mixed-method study of child care directors'…

The implementation efforts of 65 early childhood professionals involved in the Getting Ready project, an integrated, multi-systemic intervention that promotes school readiness through parent engagement for children from birth to age five, were investigated. Digital videotaped records of professionals engaged in home visits with families across…

In a small-scale study we analyse the narratives of three recently-arrived immigrant mothers with young children, making use of child care. Drawing on post-foundational theories and third-wave feminism, the analysis of these narratives enables us to look at how issues of diversity, democracy and citizenship are shaped in micro-events of daily…

Child care providers are likely to be the professionals who most frequently interact with families with young children. Thus, infant and toddler child care providers are uniquely positioned to recognize and respond to families' needs for information and support. This article describes knowledge, skills, and strategies that support child care…

Everybody knows that children's exposure to learning opportunities prior to age 5 has a profound and lasting effect on their success in school and beyond. Each fall, millions of children enter kindergarten; some of those 5-year-old children have a preschool education experience and some of those children do not. To ensure a child's learning…

This paper discusses the conceptualization and measurement of Parent Child Care Involvement (PCCI) and questions whether PCCI should be included in high-stakes quality ratings. It presents data on several PCCI measures, including one used by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the Parent Caregiver Relationship Scale…

Effective relationships with parents are a cornerstone of high quality early childhood programs. When parents and professionals see each other as allies in caring for young children, everyone benefits. When parents are especially stressed or lacking in support, it can affect the way they relate to their children and, in some families, the risk for…

Summarizes information on possible infertility treatments and discusses the needs they create and the issues they raise for children and parents. Offers ideas on what early childhood caregivers and educators can do to help families who are engaging in these treatments. (JW)

Delineates signs of physical abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse in young children for child caregivers, and provides suggestions for recognizing abusive adults. Describes the law and procedures for reporting suspected abuse or neglect in Texas. Discusses the types of response from police or child protective services and how to continue working with…

Notes that caregivers need to create an atmosphere that reflects their experiences with children and knowledge of child development. A productive partnership with families improves the quality of care through shared commitment and positive outcomes. Suggests ways caregivers can develop a productive partnership with families, including newsletters,…

Studied children's placements during their mother's incarceration and their caregiver's ability to provide for their well-being. Found that mothers were active in and satisfied with the placement. The majority of children remained within an extended kinship system. Caregivers were often angry with the mother, rating her below average in mothering…

Five articles suggest ways to design welcoming, comforting, supporting, stimulating caregiving environments that are respectful to children and families: (1) "From Borders to Bridges: Transforming Our Relationships with Parents" (Ann Pelo); (2) "Supporting Multicultural, Multilingual Families" (Julie Garrett); (3) "Making Families Welcome" (Deadru…

Notes that quality child care is judged on a variety of levels, the most significant of which might be caregiver attributes. Discusses three such attributes: respect for and commitment to children, ability to relate to parents, and human relations skills. (JW)

This article presents strategies for improving relationships between child caregivers and families. Strategies include creating family-friendly environments, focusing on the family during phone calls and center tours, supplementing enrollment forms with pages for family books, inviting family members to share stories of their childhood, rethinking…