The SMART planning system is examined as a tool for teachers working toward the successful inclusion of children with disabilities. Four focus areas are discussed connected with the SMART acronym: Select curriculum and approaches; Match instruction to child; Adapt when necessary; Relevant skills targeted; Test to inform instruction. Suggestions on…

Examined why preschoolers struggle to learn sexual abuse prevention concepts that children a few years older learn easily. Determined that preschoolers need programs produced specifically for them, programs that are developmentally graduated, present concepts in a logical order, ensure comprehension, and utilize audio-visual production features…

Outlines a model for a contextual approach to preschool curriculum, considering its three main constructs: a child-centered approach, recognition of the interactions within the child's environment, and the provision of an active growth environment. Describes the influence of the child's social context, comprised of parents and teachers, on early…

Discusses how educating children to use maps for navigation may enhance wayfinding skills as well as general representation and spatial skills. Documents need for innovative educational curricula to meet challenges of teaching map navigation. Describes development and evaluation of "Where Are We?" curriculum to simulate real-world…

Presents overview of a position statement from the National Association of Early Childhood Specialists in State Departments of Education endorsed by the NAEYC Governing Board regarding entry and placement in kindergarten. Identifies questionable educational practices resulting from trend toward demanding more of kindergarten children. Lists…

This article focuses on the relevance of the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education for science knowledge and content standards for the preK-12 student population. The article includes: (1) a summary of key concepts; (2) a description of the science curriculum standards for K-3 in the United States; and (3) an example of an in-depth…

Offers tips to help teachers in early childhood settings guide children toward integrating their sensory experiences into basic scientific concepts and skills. Provides examples of observing, identifying, comparing, classifying, communicating, and utilizing within a developmentally appropriate classroom practice. Includes suggestions for setting…

Presents a developmental approach to young children's woodworking. Discusses seven developmental stages of children's woodworking and woodworking activities appropriate to each developmental stage. (BB)

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)

Discusses whether developmental delays can be the unintended consequence of developmentally inappropriate preschool teacher and staff practices. Describes the interplay between language and knowledge in early childhood. Includes a table that specifies the child's ability to take in information from language input through five developmental stages…

Examines types of life changes that young children may experience and suggests developmentally appropriate curricular strategies teachers can implement to help children cope more effectively. Promotes teacher-parent partnerships and includes list of readings for both. (ET)

Twenty kindergarten classrooms were observed during two full days of integrated language instruction. Over 300 observed literacy tasks were analyzed by activity format, duration, cognitive complexity, organization, and participation structures. Results indicated that, although most of the activities were meaning based, over half of the observed…

This article describes a comprehensive, credentialed training program for family child-care providers that is family-centered, community-based, and focuses on developmentally appropriate practices for all children, including those with disabilities. The development of and rationale for this program are discussed, and a description of field test…

This brief article responds to a previous article on guidelines developed by professional associations for developmentally appropriate early childhood special education practices. The importance of individualization in the application of practices is emphasized, and sample criteria are offered for evaluating the practices. (DB)

The use of standardized tests to evaluate young children has been widely criticized. Alternative methods for assessing the emerging literacy development of young children through functional meaningful activities is needed. Assessment must accommodate the developmental needs of each child. Guidelines for the appropriate use of standardized tests…