Briefly discusses the evolution of children's real and imaginary fears and appropriate ways that preschool teachers and caregivers can help children cope with these fears. (BB)

A case study of a native-English-speaking child's acquisition of Hebrew through immersion in daycare found that a period of silence was followed by a rapid onset of second-language production. Eight types of language awareness were identified, with conclusions drawn about their role as prerequisites for starting second-language production. (58…

Describes the Child Development Associate program, administered by the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition. (BB)

Considers developmental and prognostic implications of early peer relations. Reviews evidence concerning peer difficulties as risk factors and family and peer relations in social development. Advances a conjunctive model of socialization. (BB)

Maintains that it is critical that caregivers and teachers learn to use Southeast Asian children's and parents' names properly. Discusses the structure and use of names among four Southeast Asian subgroups: Vietnamese, Cambodians, Laotians, and Hmongs. Teaching suggestions are offered. (BB)

Behavior profiles of four experienced teachers of infants and toddlers were obtained by means of the Assessing the Behavior of Caregivers (ABC) checklist. The ABC was shown to be a sensitive and easy-to-use instrument that was useful in monitoring interactions between adults and children and effects of in-service training. (DE)

Compared reports of child maltreatment from individuals legally mandated to report such incidents (medical, school, social services, and law enforcement personnel) and those not required to report such incidents (children, responsible caretakers, absent spouses, other relatives, and neighbors). Found numerous similarities and differences among the…

Examined attitudes toward career and family roles among 97 home day-care providers, employed mothers, and mothers at home, all of whom had young children. Home day-care providers indicated highest agreement with statements describing the rewards of the occupational role, whereas employed mothers gave the lowest agreement ratings for items on the…

Outlines some of the challenges facing tertiary education courses in early childhood in Australia, including the competency movement, university and TAFE (technical and further education) restructuring, articulation between courses, and effective communication in a field which spans children from birth through age eight. Notes that outcomes of…

Describes the development and features of an innovative field experience program, in the form of an internship, for early childhood student teachers, as part of a four-year Bachelor of Education Degree at Australia's University of Newcastle. Discusses participants' perceptions of the internship as a professionalizing experience. (HTH)

Considers intellectual and affective reasons for telling tales with young children, placing special emphasis on cultural and restorative effects of storytelling. Offers suggestions for helping young children become reflective--capable of valuing their cultural heritage and coping with personal difficulties. Includes guidelines for helping children…

Considers the ways in which young children, their families, and teachers and staff benefit from older adults' participation in early childhood and day care programs. Discusses the recruitment, screening, training, orientation, and supervision of older adults in early childhood programs. (BB)

The development of communicative competence and the role of cultural context in the communicative interaction of four young Inuit children and their caregivers was studied ethnographically. Caregiver accommodations to Inuit children differed in many ways from those reported for White middle class North Americans. The paper calls for culturally…

Compensation of early childhood professionals is not on an equal basis with that of other teachers or other professionals with similar training and experience. Six guidelines that can be used for making decisions about the provision of compensation to early childhood professionals are offered. (DG)

Examined the association between early caregiving and children's cognitive competence at school age. Mother-child interactions were measured when children were 6, 13, and 24 months and 6 years of age. Children's cognitive competence was assessed at 6 and 8 years of age. Mothers' nonrestrictiveness and verbal stimulation were significant predictors…