In a recent issue of "Educational Action Research," Stephen Kemmis argued that action research should be participative in nature and involve "open communication" by engaging the voices and perspectives of others besides teachers, such as students, parents/caregivers and other community members. This article explores the…

Camps should always have a crisis management plan, but the events of September 11, 2001, make it especially important. Honest communication with parents is paramount--directors should choose their words carefully and control the tone of their voices. Examples are given of crises involving weather, transportation, and a shooting. Questions to…

A director tells about the features that make her child care program inviting to children and families, including a waving window, gardening area, and residential-style kitchen. In addition, parents are invited to call their children directly on the classroom phones throughout the day for brief, reassuring conversations.

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…

Noting that babysitting is a serious responsibility, this videotape provides information, guidelines, and practical advice to train and prepare teenagers for the job of babysitting. Though not intended to replace the advice of a professional babysitting course or first aid course instructor, or parent/guardian who can better guide teens on…

Information on how warm and responsive care can help shape infants' and toddlers' development and their ability to learn can be reassuring for concerned parents. This guide, in English and Spanish versions, presents quality child care as a partnership between the child caregiver and the parents with the primary goal of benefiting the child. The…

Offers suggestions for resolving conflict between child care staff or between caregivers and parents. Suggestions include taking personal time, putting others first, being honest and up front, staying focused on being professional, letting go of selfishness, keeping quiet, listening, giving more than one takes, asking for a reprieve, and seeking…

Interrelationships among 3 measures of parent involvement, 1 of staff valuing parent-staff communication, and 1 of program quality being provided the to children were examined in the infant/toddler and preschool classes of 16 proprietary day-care centers. Results suggested that directors who promote formal parent involvement are likely to run…

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…

Presents information on caring for infants in a child care setting. Suggestions include responding quickly to crying, setting the schedule to baby's pace, talking to the baby, using proper hand-washing procedures, checking the room daily for safety, going outdoors every day, and building partnerships with parents. Includes a sample form for…

This booklet focuses on direct service work with parents and children, and explores how leaders and staff can use the reflective approaches of the Look, Listen, and Learn model to establish high-quality relationships with families. The booklet addresses the complex decisions that service staff face daily by presenting strategies for use in setting…

The Families Matter series of papers from the Harvard Family Research Project advances the concept of family-centered child care, advocating an approach to early childhood education that addresses the development of the child and family together. Grounded in family support principles, which build on family strengths and work from a community's…

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…