This research investigates key psychometric properties of the French Early Years Evaluation-Teacher Assessment measure designed to systematically assess kindergarten children across five social and academic developmental domains: awareness of self and environment, social skills and behaviour, cognitive abilities, language and communication, and…

The objective of this study was to examine how quantity, type, and quality of care interact in predicting externalizing and internalizing behaviors of 36-month-old children attending Quebec's educational child care from their first years of life. To do so, the authors examined two hypothesized models: (1) a mediation model where quantity, type,…

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of print literacy in preschool classrooms. There were seven preschool teachers working in central Canada who were observed over three sessions. The process of analytic induction was used to formulate categories based on interviews, classroom observations and documents. The following categories were…

This paper raises awareness concerning the education gap between Aboriginal youth and the non-Aboriginal youth population in Canada. It argues that the historical consequences of colonialism that resulted in diminished sense of self-worth, self-determination, and culture have placed Aboriginals at the low-end of the socio-economic strata. This…

The Early Years Evaluation (EYE) program is intended to help teachers to evaluate the skills of children from three to six years. This article discusses two new skills assessments of the EYE program: (1) the Early Years Evaluation-Direct Assessment (EYE-DA); and (2) the Early Years Evaluation-Teacher Assessment (EYE-TA). The EYE-DA evaluates…

This paper draws on the comparative and qualitative data from a triple case study carried out in three semi-rural early childhood education centres in Canada, India, and South Africa. The primary objective of this four year study was to provide in-depth understanding of the ways in which policy, practice, and culture intersect in semi-rural…

In this conceptual piece I use two pedagogical texts or moments--a preschool/kindergarten diagram representing body parts, and an adult dance class--to explore gaps in curricula and practice with respect to the treatment of young children's sexual curiosity. Looking first at social constructs of children's sexuality and sexual curiosity, and at…

THIS REPORT WAS A SURVEY OF THE PROS AND CONS CONCERNING PRESCHOOL EDUCATION. THE INTRODUCTION WAS A DISCUSSION OF SOME OF THE HISTORY BEHIND THE PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS OF TODAY. IN THE NEXT PART OF THE REPORT IT WAS SUGGESTED THAT THE MOST IMPORTANT YEARS OF LEARNING ARE BETWEEN THE AGES OF 4 AND 6. JUNIOR KINDERGARTENS COULD THEREFORE HAVE GREAT…

The Pavitsiak Centre, a preschool daycare center, was established in Nain, Northern Labrador. Residents include Inuit natives and settlers of European ancestry. The program's initial success is related to meeting community needs, coordinating planning with primary teachers, involving and supporting parents, and preserving the Inuit cultural…

IN 1960 AT TORONTO, CANADA, A LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF ACHIEVEMENT WAS BEGUN IN JUNIOR KINDERGARTEN WITH 8,695 CHILDREN. THE OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY WERE (1) TO EVALUATE THE EFFECT OF JUNIOR KINDERGARTEN ATTENDANCE ON THE ACHIEVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN, AND (2) TO EXAMINE THE NATURE OF THE WORLD OF JUNIOR AND SENIOR KINDERGARTEN CHILDREN.…

Researchers and educators acknowledge that early reading instruction is of critical importance, with interventions and remedial programming most effective in the primary grades. Integral to this programming are educators' abilities to assess students' reading strengths and needs, with inconsistent and/or inaccurate practices ultimately threatening…

The extension of the school's role in early education/care is considered here in terms of children ranging from four to eight years of age. The report reviews the historical and philosophical roots of current early childhood practice and the effects of and needs for early childhood programs. In the presence of current financial constraints on…

This paper discusses the use of process-oriented research in early childhood programs. Process analysis is contrasted with outcome-oriented evaluation, the latter seen as prevalent in current research practice. Four functions of process analysis are: to describe current teaching practices, to train teachers, to monitor instructional programs, and…

This document summarizes research into early childhood education programs for 3- to 8-year-old children in Ontario. The document focuses upon the problems, priorities, and practices which characterize these programs. Two factors in Ontario prompted research into its early childhood education programs: public concern over rising educational costs;…