Discusses ways to make child care centers secure places for children. (BB)

Examines the child care for-profit business in terms of recent history, current status, and future prospects. (BB)

Identifies eight warning signs which indicate that a day care program is off track. Discusses advantages of an environmentally based curriculum and its use as a strategy for getting a program back on track. (RJC)

Describes briefly the business of child care centers in Singapore, government financial role, and public support of centers. Provides short snapshots of five centers visited. Notes great variety in programming approaches and creative solutions for delivering quality in different settings. (SD)

Examines early childhood education and care in the Republic of Ireland. Highlights the work of two leaders in the field in Ireland through transcripts of an interview and a thumbnail sketch of national schools, preschools, nursery schools, and day care nurseries. (SD)

Discusses advantages of and criteria for development of effective caregiving teams in child care programs. (BB)

Advocates the creation of an "at-home" environment in after-school programs to encourage children to wind down after active days and to make child care a place of security, love, and fun. Suggests that a quiet environment, snacks, homework, puzzles and games, outdoor or gymnasium play comprise an effective after-school program. (KDFB)

Argues that the secret to producing quality child care in the 1990s will be clear, innovative thinking by the center or program director, good center design, and an ability to articulate and sell a vision of quality. (BB)

Considers what would happen if traditional child care activities were used in a retirement home. The needs of both age groups are summarized. Recommendations based on requirements of human and physical environments, and community and program services, are offered. (SH)

This article deals with early childhood curriculum models. The author discusses why programs use a curriculum and how programs use curriculum models. She mentions curriculum models that programs are using, such as: (1) The Creative Curriculum; (2) High/ Scope; (3) Project Approach; (4) Reggio Emilia; and (5) Montessori. She also presents the…

Examines a wide range of potential safety and security issues in center-based child care. Suggestions include specific procedures for responding to all likely emergencies and for evacuating the center; plans to notify parents and secure the children; and safe access to the center and children in a consistent and sensible way. (AA)

Explores the advantages of beginning or continuing a home visitation program as a method for developing positive school-home relationships. Reveals that home visitation is not widely practiced due to unavailable or uncooperative parents, lack of time, and safety concerns. Addresses strategies to overcome obstacles and program management concerns.…

The Step by Step Program is a model developed for countries struggling to make the transition to democratic societies in a period marked by enthusiasm for educational reform. The goal of the associated programs is educating a new participatory citizenry, beginning with children. Growth of programs across the world has resulted in a nongovernmental…

Provides direction to child care center directors in conducting a climate survey which can indicate quality and staff morale problems with measures of motivation, commitment, satisfaction/dissatisfaction, responsibility, and staff concerns. Presents advice on the construct, administering, interpretation, and reporting of findings to avoid serious…

Contains two short, experientially oriented articles for caregivers of infants and toddlers. The first promotes and describes gardening options for infants including choice of plants and activities. The second presents coping strategies for toddlers when a change of teacher or caregiver occurs, including development of an effective transition…