This applied dissertation project was designed to improve communication systems among child care providers previously and currently enrolled in a statewide Child Development Associate (CDA) training program as a pilot project to promote communication among the statewide child care community as a whole. Communications systems within the CDA…

Even small groups of child care workers can benefit from clear procedures that help ensure fair treatment and create an atmosphere of security in which staff can concentrate on providing the best possible care for young children. This guide provides child care employers, employees, and volunteers in Great Britain with information about their…

This book turns important research and theory into essential, easy-to-follow guidelines for new parents and child care providers to help them focus on the critical first 3 years of life to build a strong foundation for the future. All the key areas of child development are covered, including self-esteem, and cognitive, motor and social…

This paper describes intrapersonal and interpersonal attributes needed for emotional growth and character development, stressing the importance of teaching children personal discipline and doing "good because good is good to do" rather than the use of behavioral interventions. In the area of intrapersonal competence, the paper proposes…

Secondary vocational-technical education programs in Mississippi are faced with many challenges resulting from sweeping educational reforms at the national and state levels. Schools and teachers are increasingly being held accountable for providing true learning activities to every student in the classroom. This accountability is measured through…

A former childcare worker addresses the connection between social problems plaguing modern life and society's attitudes toward the role of women and mothering. She describes the detrimental effects on children who are placed in day care at an early age and urges that families abandon materialism and work toward improving the quality of their own…

The communication between three mothers and their preschool children with language impairments was examined in a three-year qualitative study. The mothers had developed a communication system within the family that consisted of idiosyncratic signs and signals that conveyed intentional messages. The mothers found it difficult to change these…

Discusses mentoring as a professional development strategy to meet the needs of experienced and novice practitioners. Defines mentoring and differentiates it from supervision. Discusses the following aspects of early childhood mentoring programs: (1) goals and assumptions; (2) design and structure, including mentor qualifications and training; (3)…

Models the spread of linguistic change by taking account of the ages of the acquirers and transmitters of change. The article focuses on three interlocutor combinations: parent-infant/young child, peer group-preadolescent and older adolescent/adult-adolescent. Findings suggest that borrowings are the easiest to acquire, while lexically…

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…

Describes a longitudinal study of permanency planning for children in kinship foster care in Erie County, New York, focusing on care duration, discharge destinations, and discharge goals. Notes that many children were adopted by or living with kin with the goal of adoption. Describes the "Kinship Options" program which strives for…

A higher education consortium (HEC) in early intervention (EI) is described. An evaluation of the model found that benefits to faculty of HEC participation included development and implementation of EI coursework, development of interdisciplinary collaborative relationships, increased knowledge of state resources, and enhanced knowledge of EI…

Reports findings regarding home language environments of children in the longitudinal Home-School Study of Language and Literacy Development project. Data about family practices concerning book reading, toy play, elicited reports, and mealtime conversations were gathered. Cases support a multi-componential view of language. (BB)

Discusses strategies that teachers and caregivers of young children can use to encourage children to draw and write about their experiences through literature, films, and music. This strategy preserves their own cultural heritage, as demonstrated at the Delta Cultural Center in Helena, Arkansas. (BB)

Discusses the need for communication between parents, caregivers, and infants in high quality caregiving. Emphasizes the importance of a developmentally appropriate program. Addresses primary caregiving in terms of the overall care and nurture of a small group of infants. Discusses methods of reporting and assessment used by caregivers. (GLR)