Few public education systems provide schooling for four-year-olds, yet studies show that children who attend preschool programs do better and are more likely to graduate from high school. Includes a national survey of public programs for four-year-olds. (MD)

Discusses issues for early childhood education administrators selecting a new assessment system. Considers features of screening and developmental assessment tools to look for and compares formats, strengths, and limitations for three types of assessment systems: paper-based, stand-alone software, and web-based assessment that allows for…

Reviews early preschool intervention program evaluations showing that by second grade there are no educationally meaningful differences in academic achievement between participating and nonparticipating children (though there are behavioral differences). More research is needed on children aged eight to ten to facilitate continuous achievement…

Contrasts environments in two early childhood settings; describes how materials and activities are arranged and the tone of the classroom. Provides resources and a sample observation log for evaluating the following aspects of environment: furnishings; materials and supplies; interest areas; language, literacy, and intellectual development;…

Written for parents, this book answers the following questions: (1) What is preschool about, and what are appropriate parent expectations for the experience? (2) Why should (or shouldn't) a child go to preschool, and what are reasonable alternatives to preschool? (3) When is a child, and a parent, ready for the preschool experience? (4) What are…

This paper outlines seven specific areas that parents should examine when visiting a prospective child care center for their child. Parents should examine: (1) the center's staff; (2) the center's parent relations; (3) the physical and teaching environment; (4) the curriculum; (5) staff-child interaction; (6) the administration; and (7) their…

The booklet briefly reviews and illustrates the kinds of evaluation efforts funders and policymakers may reasonably expect from providers of services to handicapped infants and their families. It outlines the aims and characteristics of (1) outcome evaluations to determine the effectiveness of service programs and (2) process evaluations to…

The overall purpose of the national Head Start evaluation is to assess the impact, on the children and parents being served, of: the educational services component of Head Start, and a new demonstration program within Head Start, Basic Educational Skills. The evaluation deals with a total of 65 Head Start programs and their families. These…

Addresses design and safety issues of which school business administrators should be aware when they become involved in integrating a preschool facility with an elementary school. Discusses building environmental factors, safety, health codes, play surfaces, energy conservation, and architectural considerations. (KDP)

This resource book for child care practitioners has been written for administrators, nursery school teachers and preschool or Head Start teachers who are interested in practical suggestions (1) for setting up classrooms, (2) for developing a curriculum for infants, toddlers and preschool children, (3) for meeting the social-emotional needs of…

This report presents the results of a 2-year collaborative effort by the Illinois State Board of Education and 2 independent evaluators to assess early childhood programs in various sites throughout Illinois, and to provide models for other schools or community programs developing and expanding services for young children. The evaluation…

Noting that a high-quality preschool program is one that promotes learning through rich play experiences, this book gives parents information needed to select the right preschool for their children. Chapter 1, "Thinking about Preschool," discusses questions parents ask, practical considerations, beginning the search, and the screening phone call.…

Recognizing the value and need for quality early childhood education programs for children ages four through eight years, the Michigan State Board of Education appointed an ad hoc committee to develop standards of quality. Based on the draft developed by this committee, this standards guide is designed to assist administrators, teachers, and…