In order to ensure the success of all children in an inclusive preschool classroom, teachers must utilize evidence-based practices as outlined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children's Developmentally Appropriate Practices and the Council for Exceptional Children's Division of Early Childhood Recommended Practices. This can…

While technology integration has influenced and changed the preparation of teacher candidates at all levels for a long time, utilization of mobile devices such as tablets, is still relatively new to teacher training institutions. Research indicates that the issue of technology integration in early childhood should move beyond the discussion of…

Over half of educational apps on mobile-app markets are for preschoolers, but little research has examined whether the designs of preschool apps are truly educational. Preschoolers process information differently from older learners (i.e., shorter attention spans), so app designs should be guided by developmental science. This content analysis of…

To date, applying what is known about child development to educational app design has been minimally studied and rarely tested. Using developmental and learning sciences research (e.g., Hirsh-Pasek et al., 2015), this dissertation identifies whether evidence-based teaching strategies are used in the design of existing educational apps and…

In March 2020, most preschool programs physically closed at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. For state-funded preschool programs, guidance differed in terms of what programs were required to provide to students. While some states mandated the provision of remote learning, others did not, and still others opted to provide alternative types of…

Considering the increased influence of digital technologies on daily life (Fallows, 2004) and young children's increased use of interactive technologies (Children Now, 2007), early childhood educators are beginning to think about the role of technology in their classrooms. Many preschool programs are beginning to purchase iPads, or similar…

Multimedia augmented with tangible objects is an area that has not been explored. Current multimedia systems lack the natural elements that allow young children to learn tangibly and intuitively. In view of this, we propose a research to merge tangible objects with multimedia for preschoolers, and propose to term it as "tangible…

Asserts that the Head Start years are critical for establishing a foundation for later school and life success. Maintains that learning to use computers does not need to occur at this time. Advocates activities that: are hands-on; are enjoyable and fun for young children but increase in difficulty for older children; create important memories; and…

Electronic Blocks are a new programming environment designed specifically for children between three and eight years of age. As such, the design of the Electronic Block environment is firmly based on principles of developmentally appropriate practices in early childhood education. Electronic Blocks are the physical embodiment of computer…

Describes the development and implementation of the Activating Children through Technology (ACTT) computer curriculum in Parents and Child Together (PACT) Head Start classrooms in Springfield, Illinois. (BB)

Describes the process of adding a computer program to a preschool curriculum for four-year-old children. Discussed are goals, hardware and software, the teacher's role, activities, problems, and future plans. (BB)

Discusses possibilities of the use of microcomputers and developmentally appropriate computer software with young children in the preschool/kindergarten setting. These possibilities include the enhancement of playful socialization, active play, writing processes and language development, shared problem solving, creative expression, and play and…

Explored responses to interactive multimedia by 3- to 5-year-olds through examination of verbal and facial expressions, use of mouse, body movement, attitudes toward multimedia, and teacher comments. Found great interest in using the technology and little difficulty in adjusting to developmentally appropriate materials, which has implications for…

This book is designed to provide guidance on effective practices that are related to better outcomes for young children with disabilities, their families, and the personnel who serve them. Practices were identified through focus groups of stakeholders: practitioners, personnel trainers, researchers, administrators, and family members. These…

This report summarizes the conference proceedings of the fifth Head Start National Research Conference. The focus of the conference was on the relationship of environment and developmental changes. Keynote topics and speakers were: "How Can We Know Environment Really Matters?" (Michael Rutter); "Creating Developmentally Appropriate…