This report focuses on psychological practice with children and adolescents, concurring with a previous task force report that integrating science and practice must be a priority. In addition, the report advocates that developmental considerations and cultural/contextual factors warrant specific, distinctive attention by researchers and…

This study explored the effects of basic developmental care on the behaviour of very pre-term infants and parental stress at 1 and 2 years of corrected age. A randomized controlled trial was done to compare basic Developmental Care (standardized nests and incubator covers) and controls (standard care). Parents of infants born less than 32 weeks of…

The Scale of Primary Classroom Practices (SPCP) is a short instrument which enables primary school teachers to observe and assess what goes on in their classrooms. The SPCP is divided into sections that describe teachers' and students' activities. A study of the SPCP has provided support for the reliability and construct validity of the scale.…

Three central components of the Montessori method are described and shown to be reflected in the National Association for the Education of Young Children's (NAEYC) guidelines for developmentally appropriate curricula. NAEYC guideline 1C states, "Teachers prepare the environment for children to learn through active exploration and interaction…

This article defines and describes teaching strategies used in homeschooling. It reviews several research and other literature sources from the homeschool community. It finds four themes from relevant research that inform the practices and seven major strategies used in the home-based education. Recommendations are made to parents who choose…

Notes that primary grade teachers attempting to implement developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) in their classrooms must contend with the competing professional models of early childhood education and elementary schooling. Describes the practices of one primary grade teacher, which, despite problems of interpretation, inconsistency, and only…

Discusses how providing developmentally appropriate choices to toddlers can prevent conflicts during caregiving tasks and daily routines in child care settings. Emphasizes maintaining a balance between children's needs and adult issues of time and space. Notes the importance of examining one's feelings and values to increase awareness of one's…

Explains how children's democratic reasoning develops at each of Piaget's stages of children's thought: preoperational, concrete, and formal. (SK)

Suggests procedures for modifying and expanding activities to make them individually appropriate for children with disabilities, focusing on ways to customize curriculum activities. Provides a checklist for modifying activities and discusses points to be considered: desired outcomes, arrangements to be made, and assessment. Recommends a team…

The High/Scope curriculum differs radically from typical K-3 teacher-directed instruction in emphasizing the child as a self-initiating active learner. This curriculum differs from other child-centered curricula by using cognitive-development theory to stress problem-solving and independent thinking, rather than social development and…

Discusses the symptoms, characteristics, and treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a behavioral disorder found in 3%-5% of the childhood population, mainly among males. Because of ADHD's complexity, successful treatment involves a multidisciplinary approach that involves teachers, counselors, and health care professionals.…

Debunks various myths and misperceptions concerning developmentally appropriate practices. Developmental appropriateness is a philosophy, not a curriculum. Despite using alternative learning strategies such as guided play, teachers are in control, facilitate real academic learning, and build on what they already know. DAP is universal and can…

Examined the value of teaching developmentally appropriate practices to parents. Randomly assigned parents to a three-month weekly training program. Found that participating families were less likely to engage in conflict during a puzzle-solving task and that parents had more age-appropriate expectations during the task. Reductions in…

Argues that teacher educators must ensure that early childhood teachers learn to create critical curricula aimed at fostering democratic citizens rather than implement given appropriate practices into which they have been indoctrinated. Advocates engaged pedagogy as an approach to counter the indoctrination approach to teacher education. Describes…

Reviews the Portage Guide to Early Intervention, a program in which teachers instruct mothers in their homes in an effort to help promote the development of young children with developmental delays. Since multiple factors precluded an appropriate evaluation of the guide's effects, professionals are encouraged to be conservative when discussing the…