These four newsletter issues provide information on current research and practice to early childhood professionals teaching in the primary grades in Colorado, focusing on readiness of schools for children entering the public school system. The Winter issue focuses on standards of quality for primary programs, and includes discussion of…

This study focused on one southern state's efforts to implement developmentally appropriate practices through a training program for elementary principals. The purposes of the study were to describe the extent to which developmentally appropriate practices were used in grades K-3 in four schools, and to describe the role of the principals in…

Provides several tips for scientists who work with children. Points out the differences between audiences of adults and children and includes a chart of some general characteristics of children by grade levels. (DDR)

Developmentally Appropriate Technology in Early Childhood (DATEC) aims to identify the most appropriate applications of Information and Communication Technology to support the development of children under eight years of age. Botswana has a unique spread of population density and deep-rooted socio-cultural values. There is a need to address the…

The education and care of young children has been rooted in Indian culture as reflected in ancient scriptures and documents, and has continued to be a significant engagement during the pre- and post-independence period and in the contemporary realm of education. Yet, in the present situation, the progress and understanding of early childhood care…

The goal of the present study is to explore the use of developmentally appropriate practices in Asian Indian early childhood classrooms. This information is critical for all early childhood educators and teacher educators because the society we live in is fast becoming extremely diverse and our classrooms are becoming a cauldron of various…

This book uses numerous unposed photographs of children and teachers in typical day care, nursery school, Head Start, and kindergarten situations to illustrate key principles of developmentally appropriate preschool practice. Sections of the book depict and describe: (1) characteristics of good teachers; (2) the beginning of the school day; (3)…

In this descriptive study, family day care providers reported making primarily safety-based modifications to enhance the physical environment of their homes for infant care. Less extensive modifications were made to support infant exploration, stimulation, interaction, and retreat. Use of modifications was associated with number of years providers…

Examines the characteristics (essential skills and knowledge) of middle-level leadership from the perspectives of the principals themselves based on data collected from middle-school principals in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, using surveys and semistructured interviews. Discusses seven themes that emerge from an analysis of the data, for example,…

Developmentally appropriate kindergarten programs produce excellent long-term results for children, allowing them to reach their full potential while preserving their self-esteem. This article suggests that principals weigh nursery school teachers' recommendations to help parents decide whether a child is ready for kindergarten. Includes seven…

Notes that puzzles, the cornerstone of table-top or manipulative learning areas in early childhood programs, are structured materials, self-correcting toys that help children in a variety of developmental areas. Suggests that handmade puzzles are less expensive and can be tailored for specific concepts, themes, or skill levels. Provides…

Describes children's typical reactions to divorce and practical techniques that teachers and caregivers can use in helping children deal with divorce. The use of bibliotherapy is described as a means to help children. An annotated bibliography of select literature is provided, along with descriptions of developmentally appropriate activities that…

This study examined the beliefs of in-service teachers working in inclusive classrooms regarding developmentally appropriate practices and how those beliefs affected their attitudes toward, knowledge of, and comfort levels regarding working with children with disabilities. A mixed-method approach was utilized and data were collected through the…

A topic that currently is receiving a great deal of attention by educators is the nature and use of WebQuests--computer-based activities that guide student learning through use of the World Wide Web (Sharp 2004). Despite their popularity, questions remain about the effectiveness with which WebQuests are being used with students. This article…

This article presents findings from a qualitative study of two kindergarten teachers' responses to the professional demands posed by recent shifts in national and state education policies in the United States. Although the literature has framed the practical challenges resulting from these changing expectations in terms of curricular/instructional…