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Child Care Best Practices
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Developmentally Appropriate Practices

Number of resources found: 75

Land Grant Institution or Extension Resource Indicates a resource from a Land Grant Institution or from a Cooperative Extension Agency.

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Evaluation General Information Professional Development Programming Resource Research

Council for Exceptional Children - Division of Early Childhood Language: English
Description: This Web site is for anyone that works with or on behalf of children with special needs, from birth through age eight, and their families.
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Welcome to Michigan Better Kidcare Land Grant Institution or Extension Resource

Land Grant Institution or Extension Resource

Language: English
Publisher: Michigan State University Extension (2010)
Description: This website contains information about Michigan Better Kid Care which is working to develop quality child care programs in Michigan counties through education, training and mentoring for child care professionals. MSU Extension Educators and Program Associates as well as local community resource persons provide education and other professional development activities. These staff members and community partners form a network of educators covering the state of Michigan. Training and support are provided at 1 of 3 different levels for each county. The highest level includes mentoring visits.
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Evaluation

National Program Accreditation and Quality Rating and Improvement Systems Language: English
Description: NAEYC, in collaboration with the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) and the National AfterSchool Alliance, has developed a document that describes and summarizes each of the organization's accreditation systems. The document also includes a statement in support of linking Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS) to the three major national program accreditation systems.
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General Information

Ages and Stages for Caregivers: 1-4 months Land Grant Institution or Extension Resource

Language: Spanish, English
Author: Reschke, Kathy
Publisher: The Ohio State University (2002)
Description: This is the first in a series of fact sheets developed for caregivers describing developmental milestones and developmentally appropriate practices when working with infants age one to four months. The fact sheet also includes tips on working with parents and what to do if you are concerned about a child's development.
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Ages and Stages for Caregivers: 12-18 months Land Grant Institution or Extension Resource

Language: Spanish, English
Author: Reschke, Kathy
Publisher: The Ohio State University (2002)
Description: This publication is part of a series of fact sheets developed for caregivers describing developmental milestones and developmentally appropriate practices when working with infants age nine to twelve months. The fact sheet also includes tips on working with parents and what to do if you are concerned about a child's development.
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Being an Evidence-Based Practitioner Language: English
Author: Strain, Phillip
Publisher: Center for Evidence-Based Practice: Young Children with Challenging Behavior (2002)
Description: What does it take to be an evidence-based practitioner? This fact sheet describes what evidence-based practitioners do, notes some of the challenges that affect the implementation of evidence-based practices, and offers advice for addressing those challenges.
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Changing Times, Changing Play: Why Does It Matter? Language: English
Author: Levin, Diane
Publisher: ChildcareExchange.com (Sept/Oct 2012)
Description: This article highlights the benefit of play and how play has changed over time. Early childhood professionals have long recognized the vital role of play in children’s social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development and learning. Recommendations are included on how to promote real opportunities for play in childhood.
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Characteristics of Quality Early Learning Environments Language: English
Publisher: Ounce of Prevention (2012)
Description: This website includes information on what you should see in a quality early learning environment. Includes information on what you want to see and what you don't want to see in the classroom.
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Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth Through Age 8 Land Grant Institution or Extension Resource

Language: English
Author: Wilson, Elaine
Publisher: Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension (2009)
Description: This fact sheet tells parents how early childhood professionals define quality child care and developmentally appropriate practice. As consumers, families need to know the criteria for quality child care. Parents want to know what to look for when they visit programs and what questions to ask directors and providers of child care. Most of all, parents need to understand why developmentally appropriate practices are best for their children. Developmentally appropriate programs match activities to the age and ability of the child. Providers respect the child’s family background and interests. Play is the key method for learning.
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Early Childhood Mathematics: Promoting Good Beginnings Language: English
Publisher: National Association for the Education of Young Children (April 2002)
Description: A joint position statement of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). The NCTM and the NAEYC affirm that high quality, challenging, and accessible mathematics education for 3-to-6-year-old children is a vital foundation for future mathematics learning. The statement includes recommendations for early childhood professionals. An Executive Summary is available at http://208.118.177.216/about/positions/pdf/Mathematics_Exec.pdf.
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Growing Ideas Tipsheets Language: English
Publisher: University of Maine (2011)
Description: Welcome to the Growing Ideas Tipsheets, a compilation of resources designed to guide inclusive early childhood practices. In this kit are quick reference sheets on many relevant topics related to early childhood care and education. Some of the topics covered are developmentally appropriate practice, inclusion, laws that support early childhood, universal design, assessments, business matters, literacy, etc. Each tip sheet is a downloadable PDF. Also available are other resources on these topics.
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How "Special" is Special Education? Language: English
Author: Bunce, Jan
Publisher: High/Scope Educational Research Foundation (September 2001)
Description: This article discusses the importance of focusing on a child's strengths and teaching children through active learning. Examples are given on how to use the High/Scope daily routine and active learning philosophy as tools for meeting the needs of all children in the classroom.
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Integrating Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation with the Pyramid Model Language: English
Author: Perry, Deborah
Publisher: Technical Assistance Center on Social Emotional Intervention for Young Children (November 2009)
Description: The Technical Assistance Center on Social Emotional Intervention for Young Children (TACSEI) has published a new policy brief that provides an overview of Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation and how it can support implementation of the Pyramid Model for promoting the social emotional competence of infants and young children. Policy issues that arise when administrators seek to integrate these two approaches at the state and local levels are also discussed.
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Keys to High-Quality Child Care for Infants and Toddlers: Core Knowledge and Competencies for Infants and Toddlers Language: English
Publisher: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families (January 2010)
Description: This fact sheet describes common elements found in the core knowledge and competencies for infants and toddlers of 36 States, including age ranges, core knowledge categories, competency levels, and special considerations for children with special needs and cultural diversity.
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Kids Haven’t Changed; Kindergarten Has Language: English
Author: Pappano, Laura
Publisher: Harvard Graduate School of Education (October 2010)
Description: The Gesell Institute for Human Development undertook a study to determine how child development in 2010 relates to Gesell’s historic observations. The executive director of the Gesell Institute, says despite ramped-up expectations, including overtly academic work in kindergarten, study results reveal remarkable stability around ages at which most children reach cognitive milestones such as being able to count four pennies or draw a circle.
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NAEYC: For Families Language: English
Publisher: National Association for the Education of Young Children NAEYC (2012)
Description: The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) has developed a new Web page providing a collection of resources specifically For Families. The new page features “Families Today”, a column by Doctors T. Berry Brazelton and Joshua Sparrow, information on quality child care and preschool programs, and resources to support development.
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Nibbles...Ideas for Families Land Grant Institution or Extension Resource

Language: English
Publisher: University of Illinois Extension Services (2010)
Description: An informative Website that provides information for parents, professionals, and public on how to provide the best diet, child care, activities, and learning experiences for their children.
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Positive Behavior Support: An Individualized Approach for Addressing Challenging Behavior Language: Spanish, English
Publisher: Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (2010)
Description: For many children with challenging behavior, teachers are able to address the child's needs and teach the child the expectations of the classroom. Unfortunately, there are a few children who do not respond to the teacher's efforts. These children continue to exhibit challenging behavior despite well-designed classroom environments and the use of developmentally appropriate teaching and child guidance practices. This brief illustrates this dilemma.
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Preparing Young Latino Children for School Success: Best Practices in Assessments Language: English
Author: Beltran, Erika
Publisher: National Council of La Raza (Aug 2012)
Description: This policy brief highlights the importance of developing effective assessments for young ELLs, highlights a best practice in the field, and concludes with policy recommendations which highlight how to bring effective practices to scale.
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Preparing Young Latino Children for School Success: Best Practices in Assessments Language: English
Author: Beltran, Erika
Publisher: National Council of La Raza (Aug 2012)
Description: This policy brief highlights the importance of developing effective assessments for young ELLs, highlights a best practice in the field, and concludes with policy recommendations which highlight how to bring effective practices to scale.
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Preparing Young Latino Children for School Success: Best Practices in Language Instruction Language: English
Author: Beltran, Erika
Publisher: National Council of La Raza (Aug 2012)
Description: This policy brief highlights the importance of intentional language instruction for Hispanic children, particularly ELLs, highlights a best practice in the field, and concludes with policy recommendations for bringing successful programs to scale.
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Preparing Young Latino Children for School Success: Best Practices in Family Engagement Language: English
Author: Beltran, Erika
Publisher: National Council of La Raza (Aug 2012)
Description: This policy brief discusses the opportunities and challenges associated with Latino family engagement strategies, highlights a best practice in the field, and concludes with policy recommendations for bringing these programs to scale.
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Preparing Young Latino Children for School Success: Best Practices in Professional Development Language: English
Author: Hopper, Karen
Publisher: National Council of La Raza (Aug 2012)
Description: This policy brief examines the importance of professional development as it applies to high-quality instruction for young Latino and ELL students and how it can be provided within the context of current workforce constraints.
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STILL Unacceptable Trends in Kindergarten Entry and Placement Language: English
Publisher: NAEYC and Early Childhood Specialists in State Departments of Education (2000)
Description: The position statement of NAEYC and Early Childhood Specialists in State Departments of Education that addresses the need to get rid of practices that screen and place children entering school. Such readiness tests cause segregation and prohibit children from reaching their full learning potential.
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Supporting Infants and Toddlers with Challenging Behavior Language: English
Publisher: Center for Evidence-Based Practice: Young Children with Challenging Behavior (2000)
Description: This fact sheet provides guidance on program practices that may be used to support very young children with challenging behavior and their families.
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Professional Development

Ages and Stages for Caregivers: 1-4 months Land Grant Institution or Extension Resource

Language: Spanish, English
Author: Reschke, Kathy
Publisher: The Ohio State University (2002)
Description: This publication is part of a series of fact sheets developed for caregivers describing developmental milestones and developmentally appropriate practices when working with infants age nine to twelve months. The fact sheet also includes tips on working with parents and what to do if you are concerned about a child's development.
More

Desired Results access Project: Digital Video Initiative Language: English
Publisher: Desired Results access Project - A special project of the Napa County Office of Education (October 2010)
Description: Using Video to Enhance Outcomes for Young Children and Their Families Video is a valuable tool for early care and education practitioners and can be used in many ways, including documenting child progress, evaluation, assessment, coaching, consultation, reflective practice, reflective supervision, family education, and professional development. The Digital Video Initiative at California’s Desired Results access Project recently posted seven videos online that illustrate ways in which teachers have been using digital video to enhance their practices and support preschool inclusion. Each of the videos can be viewed online or downloaded for use in professional development activities.
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Follow my lead - Developmentally Appropriate Physical Activities for Young Children Land Grant Institution or Extension Resource

Language: English
Author: Kock, Jo Anne
Publisher: University of Nevada Cooperative Extension (2005)
Description: This curriculum addresses developmentally appropriate practices in physical activities for young children reflecting Nevada’s Pre-K Standards for Physical Development. This is an in-service training curriculum for child care providers to assist them in planning activities that will support the physical development of children.
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Guidelines for Early Learning in Child Care Home Settings Language: English
Publisher: California Department of Education (2010)
Description: Recognizing that many children receive their early care and education in home-based settings, the CA Dept. of Education developed Guidelines for Early Learning in Child Care Home Settings specifically for family child care and exempt-care providers. This document covers the same topics as those in the Prekindergarten Guidelines (school and center based early learning guidelines), but it also addresses the specific concerns that home-based providers face every day as they strive to nurture and teach the children in their care. Additionally, it addresses the reality that many family child care and license-exempt providers serve infants and toddlers side by side with preschool-age children.
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How "Special" is Special Education? Language: English
Author: Bunce, Jan
Publisher: High/Scope Educational Research Foundation (September 2001)
Description: This article discusses the importance of focusing on a child's strengths and teaching children through active learning. Examples are given on how to use the High/Scope daily routine and active learning philosophy as tools for meeting the needs of all children in the classroom.
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Parenting and Literacy for Success (P.L.S.) Land Grant Institution or Extension Resource

Language: English
Author: Bixler, Michaelyn
Publisher: University of Nevada Cooperative Extension (2007)
Description: The Parenting and Literacy for Success program (P.L.S.) is a fun and easy program that provides parents with valuable literacy tools they can use during and after attending the P.L.S. program. The program targets parents with limited resources who have preschoolers 3 to 5 1/2 years old. It is a family literacy program whose main goal is to introduce parents to the pre-kindergarten standards and help them teach their preschoolers pre-kindergarten concepts in math, science, reading and other areas which can prepare them for kindergarten success. The P.L.S program combines the reading of four specially selected children’s books with hands-on activities that reinforces these pre-kindergarten concepts introduced in the book. These workshop activities prepare the parents to extend these new skills from classroom to home. Each book focuses on different pre-kindergarten concepts.
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State Pre-K Assessment Policies: Issues and Status Language: English, Spanish
Author: Ackerman, Debra
Publisher: Educational Testing Service (2012)
Description: The Educational Testing Service has released a report that looks at current approaches states are using to assess children enrolled in Pre-K programs, some of the challenges of assessing young children's learning, and suggested sound practices for states to consider implementing. It includes a summary chart of assessment practices used by the states. The document was developed to help early childhood educators and decision makers with effectively incorporating assessments into their programs to document effectiveness.
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Unplanned Explorations and Lively Minds Language: English
Publisher: National Association for the Education of Young Children (2012)
Description: This fact sheet from NAEYC's Teaching Young Children magazine highlights the value of rich and meaningful learning that happens in authentic, everyday experiences. Early educators often spend much time and effort planning such experiences. However, sometimes we support children’s learning best by stepping out of the way. This lets us learn alongside the children. These experiences emphasize the importance of following the children’s lead to see what they can teach us and each other.
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Programming Resource

Admissions Policies and Practices that Build Inclusive Child Care Communities (for Parents and Guardians) Language: English
Publisher: University of Maine (Nov 2011)
Description: As part of the Growing Ideas series of tip sheets, this resource explores the admissions policies and practices that build inclusive child care communities. Laws and policies are discussed.
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Admissions Policies and Practices that Build Inclusive Child Care Communities (for Providers) Language: English
Publisher: University of Maine (Nov 2011)
Description: As part of the Growing Ideas series of tip sheets, this resource explores the admissions policies and practices that build inclusive child care communities. Laws and policies are discussed that relate to providers.
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Assessment Basics: From Observation to Instruction Language: English
Publisher: University of Maine (September 2011)
Description: As part of the Growing Ideas series, this tip sheet provides information regarding developmentally appropriate assessments for early care and education.
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Behavior Communicates Language: English
Publisher: University of Maine (Sept 2011)
Description: What does behavior mean in children? What are children really trying to communicate? This tip sheet, part of the Growing Ideas Toolkit, explores reasons why children may behavior in certain ways.
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Building Belonging: Providing Guidance for Social Skill Development Language: English
Publisher: University of Maine (Sept 2011)
Description: What is guidance? Why is it important? These questions, and more, are answered in this tip sheet regarding building positive social skills in children. This tip sheet is part of the Growing Ideas Toolkit.
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Building Positive Teacher-Child Relationships Language: Spanish, English
Publisher: Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (Sept 2011)
Description: In early childhood settings, each moment that teachers and children interact with one another is an opportunity to develop positive relationships. Teachers can use a variety of strategies to build positive relationships with children.
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Confidentiality: Respecting the Privacy of All Families Language: English
Publisher: University of Maine (Nov 2011)
Description: As part of the Growing Ideas series of tip sheets, this resource explores the issue of confidentiality in early childhood programs.
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Daily Transitions — Time for a Change Language: English
Publisher: University of Maine (Sept 2011)
Description: This tip sheet, part of the Growing Ideas Toolkit, discusses the importance of planning for daily transitions, especially when the group includes children with special needs.
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Developmentally Appropriate 4-H Experiences for the 5-8 year-old Land Grant Institution or Extension Resource

Language: English
Author: DeBord, Karen
Publisher: North Carolina Cooperative Extension (1995)
Description: In this article, the author explains the meaning of the term "developmentally appropriate practice" and explains the implications of DAP for school-age child care programs serving children 5 to 8. The author focuses on three primary areas: adult-child interactions, curriculum, and program-home partnerships.
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Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth Through Age 8 Land Grant Institution or Extension Resource

Language: Spanish, English
Publisher: National Association for the Education of Young Children (2009)
Description: A position statement of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The purpose of this position statement is to promote excellence in early childhood education by providing a framework for best practice. New version adopted May 2009. Available in Spanish also at http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/Spanish%20DAP%20position%20statement(1).pdf.
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Early Childhood Mathematics: Promoting Good Beginnings Language: English
Publisher: National Association for the Education of Young Children (April 2002)
Description: A joint position statement of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). The NCTM and the NAEYC affirm that high quality, challenging, and accessible mathematics education for 3-to-6-year-old children is a vital foundation for future mathematics learning. The statement includes recommendations for early childhood professionals. An Executive Summary is available at http://208.118.177.216/about/positions/pdf/Mathematics_Exec.pdf.
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Foundations of Inclusive Early Care and Education - Growing Ideas Tipsheets and Resources for Guiding Early Childhood Practices Language: English
Publisher: University of Maine (2011)
Description: The Growing Ideas Tipsheets are a compilation of resources designed to guide inclusive early childhood practices. This page contains link to tipsheets, virtual tool kits, and other selected resources on specific inclusion topics. Some of the topics covered are developmentally appropriate practice, inclusive early childhood education, universal design, assessment, daily transitions, and word play day. The virtual tool kit contains professional development activities for staff.
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Friends & Feelings: Social-Emotional Development In Young Children Language: English
Publisher: University of Maine (Sept 2011)
Description: As part of the Growing Ideas toolkit, this tip sheet focuses on how to encourage and support young children's social-emotional development.
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Heartland Family Child Care Handbook Land Grant Institution or Extension Resource

Language: Spanish, English
Author: Oesterreich, Lesia
Publisher: Iowa State University Extension (2007)
Description: This book, previously called the Iowa Family Child Care Handbook, has been updated. It includes expanded information on toys, books, equipment, and how to organize your home and your day for family child care. Business, nutrition, health and safety, and child development info also included. It now includes a CD with additional resources for providers and parents. There is a $10 charge for this publication. Also available in Spanish Manual Heartland para el Cuidado Familiar de Niños at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/store/ItemDetail.aspx?ProductID=12713&SeriesCode=&CategoryID=7&Keyword=.
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How "Special" is Special Education? Language: English
Author: Bunce, Jan
Publisher: High/Scope Educational Research Foundation (September 2001)
Description: This article discusses the importance of focusing on a child's strengths and teaching children through active learning. Examples are given on how to use the High/Scope daily routine and active learning philosophy as tools for meeting the needs of all children in the classroom.
More

Inclusion Works! Creating Child Care Programs That Promote Belonging for Children with Special Needs Language: English
Author: Brault, Linda
Publisher: California Department of Education (2009)
Description: Inclusion Works! is a publication of the California Department of Education Child Development Division. The focus is on “creating child care programs that promote belonging for children with special needs.” In the book you’ll find strategies for inclusion and real life examples of those strategies for children ages birth to 12 included in various programs and settings.
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Inclusion Works! Creating Child Care Programs That Promote Belonging for Children with Special Needs (training) Language: English
Author: Brault, Linda
Publisher: California Department of Education (2009)
Description: This website includes resources to use for presenting Inclusion Works! Creating Child Care Programs That Promote Belonging for Children with Special Needs from the CA Dept of Education. Building on research and the experience of years of effective implementation, this handbook contains stories and examples, as well as background information and resources that support strategies for successful inclusion. Suggestions for ways to adapt the environment are provided, along with examples of inclusive strategies. A glossary and appendixes make this handbook a practical tool for care providers. A link is available to download or order the handbook.
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Inclusive Early Childhood Education Language: English
Publisher: University of Maine (September 2011)
Description: As part of the Growing Ideas tip sheet series, this resource explores why the inclusive setting is important, what it looks like, and the benefits of such a setting.
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Increase Access: Universal Design in Early Care and Education Language: English
Publisher: University of Maine (September 2011)
Description: As part of the Growing Ideas resource, this tip sheet provides information on Universal Design (the philosophy of designing and creating products and environments to be accessible to the greatest extent possible, to the people who use them, without the need for adaptation.)
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Laws that Support Early Childhood Education for All Language: English
Publisher: University of Maine (September 2011)
Description: As part of the Growing Ideas series of tip sheets, this resource explores the laws and requirements for inclusive settings.
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Making Validated Educational Models Central in Preschool Standards Language: English
Author: Schweinhart, Lawrence
Publisher: High/Scope Educational Research Foundation (2003 )
Description: This paper presents ideas for preschool educators and policy makers on how to develop validated educational models central in standards created for preschool education. The author proposes seven standards that programs should focus on to replicate validated educational models: comprehensiveness, documentation, logical consistency, capacity for faithful implementation, model effectiveness, training effectiveness, and capacity for and breadth of dissemination.
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Multi-State Study of Pre-Kindergarten Language: English
Publisher: FPG Child Development Institute (2005)
Description: This is a six state study that involves classroom observation, child assessments, and kindergarten follow-up. The information about how public schools are supporting young children's learning and development will provide the early learning community with new knowledge in several key areas. The research will also provide guidance for state and local policy-making and for day-to-day practices in schools, centers, and classrooms.
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National Program Accreditation and Quality Rating and Improvement Systems Language: English
Description: NAEYC, in collaboration with the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) and the National AfterSchool Alliance, has developed a document that describes and summarizes each of the organization's accreditation systems. The document also includes a statement in support of linking Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS) to the three major national program accreditation systems.
More

Nibbles...Ideas for Families Land Grant Institution or Extension Resource

Language: English
Publisher: University of Illinois Extension Services (2010)
Description: An informative Website that provides information for parents, professionals, and public on how to provide the best diet, child care, activities, and learning experiences for their children.
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OUCH! That hurts!- Biting Language: English
Publisher: University of Maine (Sept 2011)
Description: Why do some children bite? The answers to this question and more are included in this tip sheet from the Growing Ideas toolkit.
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Position on Early Childhood Inclusion: A Joint Statement by DEC & NAEYC Language: English
Publisher: National Assocaition for the Education of Young Children (April 2009)
Description: A Joint Statement of the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) of the Council for Exceptional Children and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). This joint position statement offers a definition of early childhood inclusion. The definition was designed not as a litmus test for determining whether a program can be considered inclusive, but rather, as a blueprint for identifying the key components of high quality inclusive programs. In addition, this document offers recommendations for how the position statement should be used by families, practitioners, administrators, policy makers, and others to improve early childhood services. Inclusion, as a value, supports the right of all children, regardless of their diverse abilities to participate actively in natural settings with their communities. A summary is also available at http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/DEC_NAEYC_ECSummary_A.pdf.
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Program Planning and Administration - Growing Ideas Tipsheets and Resources for Guiding Early Childhood Practices Language: English
Publisher: University of Maine (2011)
Description: The Growing Ideas Tipsheets are a compilation of resources designed to guide inclusive early childhood practices. This page contains link to tipsheets, virtual tool kits, and other selected resources on specific inclusion topics. Some of the topics covered are business matters, laws that support early childhood education, admission policies for parents and providers, and confidentiality. The virtual tool kit contains professional development activities for staff.
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Shocking Language! - Swearing Language: English
Publisher: University of Maine (Sept 2011)
Description: "When children swear, it is important to understand the hidden meanings behind those troubling words." This tip sheet, from the Growing Ideas toolkit, explores reasons why children swear and ways to help reduce the incidences of inappropriate language.
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Social Emotional Development - Growing Ideas Tipsheets and Resources for Guiding Early Childhood Practices Language: English
Publisher: University of Maine (2011)
Description: The Growing Ideas Tipsheets are a compilation of resources designed to guide inclusive early childhood practices. This page contains link to tipsheets, virtual tool kits, and other selected resources on specific social emotional topics. Some of the topics covered are friends and feelings, building belonging, behavior communicates, biting, aggression, and early childhood mental health consultation. The virtual tool kit contains professional development activities for staff.
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State Pre-K Assessment Policies: Issues and Status Language: English, Spanish
Author: Ackerman, Debra
Publisher: Educational Testing Service (2012)
Description: The Educational Testing Service has released a report that looks at current approaches states are using to assess children enrolled in Pre-K programs, some of the challenges of assessing young children's learning, and suggested sound practices for states to consider implementing. It includes a summary chart of assessment practices used by the states. The document was developed to help early childhood educators and decision makers with effectively incorporating assessments into their programs to document effectiveness.
More

Study of Best Practices in Early Childhood Education Land Grant Institution or Extension Resource

Language: English
Author: Howes, Carollee
Publisher: National Center for Early Development and Learning (2012)
Description: This study's objectives were to determine whether unique practices of the original Best Practices sites could be learned and utilized by new sites and second, to reduce barriers that traditionally prevent researchers and teachers from benefiting from one another's expertise.
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Technical Assistance Alliance for Parent Centers Language: English
Description: This program facilitates interaction between parents of children with disabilities and professionals who work with them. Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs) and Community Parent Resource Centers (CPRCs) in each state provide training and information to parents of infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities and to professionals who work with children. This assistance helps parents to participate more effectively with professionals in meeting the educational needs of children and youth with disabilities.
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The Role of Time-Out in a Comprehensive Approach for Addressing Challenging Behaviors of Preschool Children Language: Spanish, English
Author: Dunlap, Glen
Publisher: Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (2012)
Description: This Brief provides an overview of a comprehensive approach to supporting children's behavior and discusses the role of time-out in the context of a comprehensive approach. Although time-out has been demonstrated to be effective in some situations, it should not be overused and should be reserved for high-intensity behaviors such as aggression toward peers and adults and destructive behavior. Because of a lack of evidence to support its use with very young children as well as the research on the social-emotional development of very young children, the use of time-out with infants and young toddlers is not recommended.
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Thoughtful Teaching: Developmentally Appropriate Practice Language: English
Publisher: University of Maine (Sept 2011)
Description: As part of the Growing Ideas series, this tip sheet gives information regarding what is developmentally appropriate practice when caring for children.
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Using Choice and Preference to Promote Improved Behavior Language: Spanish, English
Publisher: Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (Sept 2011)
Description: This brief uses are "real-life" scenario to discuss and explain the effects of the Choice-Making Strategy to promote positive behavior.
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Using Functional Communication Training to Replace Challenging Behavior Language: Spanish, English
Publisher: Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (Sept 2011)
Description: This brief discusses Functional Communication Training (FCT). FCT is a strategy for use with children who require a more individualized intervention approach because they continue to exhibit challenging behaviors even when classroom-wide prevention strategies are in place (for example, classroom rules, consistent schedules, predictable routines).
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Using Technology in the Early Childhood Classroom Language: English
Author: Perry, Bruce
Publisher: Scholastic (Sept 2011)
Description: This article discusses the use of technology (computers, cameras, video cameras and tape recorders) with children ages 3-6 by an internationally recognized authority on brain development and children in crisis, Dr. Perry.
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Washington State Core Competencies for Early Care and Education Professionals Language: English
Publisher: Washington State Dept. of Early Learning (2012)
Description: This pdf document is a set of core competencies for early care and education professionals. This resource defines what these professionals need to know and be able to do to provide quality care for children. The competencies serve as the foundation for decisions and practices carried out by professionals in all early care and education settings. They also establish a set of standards for early care and education settings that support the professionalism of the field
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Washington State Early Learning and Development Guidelines: Birth through 3rd Grade Language: English
Publisher: Washington State Dept. of Early Learning (2012)
Description: This pdf document is a set of generally agreed-upon guidelines that helps parents, caregivers, child care professionals and teachers all work together to support children as they grow and learn. The guidelines are considered a resource for practitioners and professionals in the field of early childhood because they contain information on development and suggestions for how to support development. It can be used to design interactions and curriculum for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
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WHACK! SLAM! BANG! Why do Children Behave Aggressively? Language: English
Publisher: University of Maine (Sept 2011)
Description: Why do young children behave aggressively? Whack! Slam! Bang! takes a look at why children can be aggressive and then provides ways to help children manage their feelings more appropriately. This tip sheet is part of the Growing Ideas Toolkit.
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Word Play All Day — Early Literacy in Action Language: English
Publisher: University of Maine (Sept 2011)
Description: This tip sheet, part of the Growing Ideas Toolkit, discusses the importance of early literacy. Explanations are included about oral language, print awareness, phonological awareness, and alphabet knowledge and writing. Suggestions on how the staff can support early literacy is included.
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Research

Multi-State Study of Pre-Kindergarten Language: English
Publisher: FPG Child Development Institute (2005)
Description: This is a six state study that involves classroom observation, child assessments, and kindergarten follow-up. The information about how public schools are supporting young children's learning and development will provide the early learning community with new knowledge in several key areas. The research will also provide guidance for state and local policy-making and for day-to-day practices in schools, centers, and classrooms.
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Study of Best Practices in Early Childhood Education Land Grant Institution or Extension Resource

Language: English
Author: Howes, Carollee
Publisher: National Center for Early Development and Learning (2005)
Description: This study's objectives were to determine whether unique practices of the original Best Practices sites could be learned and utilized by new sites and second, to reduce barriers that traditionally prevent researchers and teachers from benefiting from one another's expertise.
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The Caring for Quality Project: Supporting and Connecting Home-Based Child Care Providers Language: English
Publisher: Rochester Childfirst Network (December 2006)
Description: This research project evaluated the impact of provider support/ mentoring and networking on the level of quality provided in child care home settings. Parents as Teachers curriuculum was used. This project involved an evaluation conducted by the Cornell Early Childhood Program. A pre-, post-test, random assignment design and a variety of measures are employed to assess project outcomes including: quality of the family child care home; provider characteristics (e.g. registered versus license-exempt status, utilization of the Child Adult Care Food Program and other services, job satisfaction, perceived social support, child rearing beliefs, and child development knowledge); and child cognitive and social development.
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