A Q-sort technique was used to determine whether there were appreciable differences between views of appropriate kindergarten programming held by professional organizations, kindergarten teachers, and elementary school administrators. A set of 52 cards with statements regarding kindergarten program components was developed from position statements…

This curriculum guide for teachers of young children provides a framework that sets forth the program's philosophy, goals, and objectives for children, as well as guidelines for teaching that address all aspects of a child's development (socio-emotional, cognitive, and physical). It attempts to offer teachers the guidance, support, and freedom to…

This guide for educators presents an educational continuum encompassing traditional approaches to developmentally appropriate practice. Children, parents, teachers, and the classroom are discussed in terms of resources they provide for the learning experience and the movement towards developmentally appropriate practice. For example, children can…

The Building Blocks to Colorado's Content Standards were developed to connect early childhood education to the K-12 content standards, to advocate for appropriate teaching strategies for preschool children, and to support awareness and understanding of early childhood foundational skills among parents and teachers. Five sets of building blocks are…

Although early childhood education is important for all children, research suggests that it is particularly important for low-income and educationally disadvantaged children. Of the 53 Austin Independent School District (AISD) elementary schools that provided prekindergarten education, five Title I schools with full-day prekindergarten programs…

As part of a series designed to support parents and caregivers of young children in the home, this booklet focuses on providing opportunities for children to learn about music and develop listening skills. The booklet's introductory section focuses on the importance of music in our everyday lives, the role of music in culture and its connection…

This report is intended to inform policymakers, administrators, and teachers regarding the development of standards or benchmarks addressing language and literacy skills in prekindergarten programs. The report notes that although standards and benchmarks can bring clarity to what should be expected of young children, there are challenges in…

The Creative Curriculum for early childhood education is a teaching framework that addresses children's emotional, cognitive, and physical development. This supplement to the Creative Curriculum is designed to enhance teachers' effectiveness in understanding how content is linked to teaching and learning in a developmentally appropriate curriculum…

Examines the role of democracy in education and its importance in early childhood education programs, including benefits to children. Discusses implications for early childhood education programs that include children with disabilities, makes suggestions for promoting democracy in inclusive early childhood environments, and identifies…

Discusses ideas and strategies to ensure risk management in early childhood settings. Suggests that current trends in early childhood education lead to the reevaluation of risk factors. Notes that risk management today includes not only inspecting playgrounds and classrooms and implementing the latest public health guidelines but also staying…

Contains a series of short, experientially oriented articles on circle time entitled "You Can Make Circle Time Developmentally Appropriate"; "Using Circle Time as a Hub of Curriculum"; "Working It Out Together in Circle Time"; and "Starting with Stories: Building a Sense of Community." (SD)

Uses the example of a fourth-grade class working to have the firefly declared as Pennsylvania's state insect to highlight the effectiveness of dynamic social studies in elementary school. Discusses how dynamic social studies maintains a balance between seriousness and fun by offering a blend of variety, active involvement, and excitement while…

Addresses how the early childhood educator can develop mathematical concepts in the context of goals and standards set by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and simultaneously enhance literacy development. Includes suggestions for daily story time using children's books with strong mathematics and science connections, and for teaching…

Asserts that many enrichment options are congruent with core beliefs regarding middle school pedagogy and suggests some models that will raise the ceiling of achievement for gifted learners and provide opportunity to enhance the learning of all students. Focuses on: (1) shared vision; (2) flexible grouping structures; (3) varied teaching and…

This article emphasizes the importance of providing appropriate services to meet the needs of individual gifted students and the need to first diagnose the level of giftedness to administer the right "therapeutic dose." A chart is provided that defines levels of intellectual giftedness by IQ ranges and by prevalence. (Contains 5…