Early childhood education covers the education of a child from the period from birth to eight years of age.
What is Early Childhood Education?
Early Childhood spans the human life from infancy to Age 8 and can take place naturally while being watched and with parents/others. But "early childhood education and care" or "early care and education" often act as interchangeable terms with early childhood education. It emphasizes the focus of academically, socially, emotionally, and physically preparing a child during this age range and the focus of protecting and caring for the child in the absence of his/her primary caregiver.
Child development
There are different developmental domains of children which all relate to each other:
Physical development - Concerning the physical growth and the development of both gross(eg. walking) and fine motor(eg. finger movement) control of the body.
Perception and sensory development - How a child functions using the senses and the ability to process the information gained.
Communication and language development - Using visual and sound stimuli, especially in the acquisition of language, also in the exchange of thoughts and feelings.
Emotional Development - Concerning children's increasing awareness and control of their feelings and how does he react to these feelings in a given situation.
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Social Development - Concerning the child's identity, their relationship with others, and understanding their place within a social environment.
Meditation and the story sanunit@iowatelecom.net Wed, 03 Sep 2008 19:00:00 +0100 I have a question about story. When you’re in meditation, the process of story—does it come to you visually? When I watch your films, they are like a meditation to me. And you use colors, and you use rhythm, and you use timing, and you also—your stories are surprising and always revealing. And I wonder how your meditation influences you in that way, and how you convey that on the set to the actors—how do you all work together to bring that to light? [...] What is the field of consciousness? sanunit@iowatelecom.net Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:00:00 +0100 Can you explain about consciousness? The field of consciousness, the field of pure consciousness, as explained by Dr. John Hagelin, is also known as the Unified Field—the Unified Field found at the base of all matter. And it’s found at the base of all mind, at the source of thought. And this Unified Field is also beyond space and time. It’s unbounded and eternal; it’s beyond duality. It’s oneness; it’s unity. An [...] Drugs or meditation sanunit@iowatelecom.net Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:00:00 +0100 Have you ever used hallucinogenic drugs for inspiration, or have you done it entirely through meditation? I have smoked marijuana. But I don’t smoke it any more. And I was pretty lucky—and it’s a true thing. You know, I went to art school in the ’60s. So you can imagine what was going on. And yet my friends were the ones: they said, “No, no, no, David: don’t you take those drugs.” How do ideas become a script? sanunit@iowatelecom.net Wed, 13 Aug 2008 19:00:00 +0100 How do you find your ideas, and how do you form them into a script? That’s a beautiful question. I think a desire for an idea is like a bait. And I say it’s like fishing. You desire an idea. And when you go fishing, you know you have to have patience. And you bait your hook, and then you just kind of wait. But the desire is that bait that pulls those fish in—those ideas. And the beautiful thing is: when you catch one fish that yo [...] Music and consciousness sanunit@iowatelecom.net Sun, 10 Aug 2008 19:00:00 +0100 Can you explain how you use music to transform consciousness within your story? But it doesn’t expand—music doesn’t expand consciousness. The only thing that expands consciousness… You know, they have these so-called “consciousness raising” groups. What they’re doing is sharing information, or giving information. It doesn’t raise consciousness. Consciousness can be raised only by experiencing that d [...] Does meditation protect you? sanunit@iowatelecom.net Mon, 04 Aug 2008 19:00:00 +0100 How can you just so fully commit to the violent, dark nature of life—mostly in Twin Peaks, I think, and all of them—how can you be so committed to that darkness without being harmed by it? And how does meditation help you with that? In a way—this is a strange thing, but it’s a true thing in my experience–bliss is like a flack jacket. Bliss is like a protecting thing. If you have so much bliss, they say it’s [...]
Education: News & Videos about Education - CNN.com
Math tests for kindergartners? Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:48:00 -0400 The city is asking public school principals to consider giving math tests to kindergartners, a proposal that comes amid debate over the growing use of standardized tests nationwide.
Mom finds U.S. lagging in early education Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:56:00 -0400 That's my girl, I thought, as Olivia tore away from us to join the other 5-year-olds for circle time -- legs crossed, hand stick-straight in the air in response to the teacher's question about how the kids spent Father's Day.
U.S. Colleges' Green Grade: C- Sun, 24 Aug 2008 17:00:00 -0400 Campuses may be getting greener, but college curriculums are falling behind in teaching students the basics of global warming and sustainability
UN News Centre - Culture, Education
Top UN envoy travels to Beijing for Paralympics Sat, 06 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0500 Wilfried Lemke, the Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Sport for Development and Peace, attended the opening ceremony of the Paralympics today in Beijing, China, acting as the Secretary-General's Special Envoy at the event. UN organizes campaign to help Georgia's children return to school Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0500 The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is organizing a campaign to ensure that all children in Georgia can start the new school year this month, following the recent conflict in the Caucasus country. UN agencies launch bid to include restored Iraqi marshlands on heritage list Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0500 Two United Nations agencies unveiled a joint bid today to list Iraq's marshlands, considered by some to be the original Garden of Eden, as a World Heritage Site, capping efforts to restore the ecological viability of the fragile region.
U.S. Department of Education
Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week (Sep 7-13) Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:00:00 -0000 Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Stephanie Monroe will join 1,000 higher education leaders and policymakers on September 8 in Washington, D.C., during the 2008 national conference celebrating the nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Higher Ed Grants to Help Students with Disabilities Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:45:00 -0000 The Department announced the award of $6.7 million in grants to 23 higher education organizations to help them develop pilot projects for students with disabilities. Grant to Utah to Help Create More Charter Schools Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:14:00 -0000 ED's Assistant Deputy Secretary for Innovation and Improvement Doug Mesecar visited Guadalupe Schools in Salt Lake City today to present an $8,533,334 Charter Schools Program grant to the Utah State Department of Education. Utah's Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert and Vice Chairman of the Utah State Board of Education Mark Cluff joined Mesecar for the announcement.
BBC News | Education | UK Edition
Balls hints at end to Sats tests Sun, 07 Sep 2008 16:52:40 -0000 The Sats tests could end next year and be replaced by individual level tests, Schools Secretary Ed Balls has hinted. Holiday key to school standards? Sat, 06 Sep 2008 01:00:57 -0000 Mike Baker wonders if having school summer holidays earlier in the year might help pupils do better. Teachers to hold ballot on strike Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:38:39 -0000 Another teachers' strike is threatened - with the National Union of Teachers announcing a ballot for industrial action. Team sports blamed for health gap Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:37:37 -0000 Too much team sport in schools is stopping pupils from learning about individual physical exercise, say researchers. More state pupils enter Cambridge Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:58 -0000 The proportion of new Cambridge University students from state schools jumped 7% last year to the highest level since 1981. Threatened schools decision delay Thu, 04 Sep 2008 21:29:16 -0000 A process of shutting seven junior secondary schools is to be discussed by councillors on Scotland's Western Isles. Heads say teens' tests not needed Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:41:44 -0000 Head teachers want the national curriculum tests 14-year-olds in England have to sit to be scrapped. Plan to cut targets for schools Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:28:48 -0000 Councils in England could face fewer top-down targets for different groups of pupils under proposals. School meal guidelines tightened Wed, 03 Sep 2008 22:59:29 -0000 School meals in England's primary schools are subject to even tighter guidelines from this month. University funding is 'creaking' Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:05:59 -0000 The National Union of Students says England's system for funding higher education is unfair and needs overhauling. School travel Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:15:27 -0000 Busier roads mean schools are back - how is it for you? School's role Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:00:00 -0000 Rural hopes after a four-pupil school was saved Teen pregnancy Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:29:40 -0000 Why do we have such a problem with it? Knife poem axed Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:31:27 -0000 Should the exam syllabus be dictated by social issues? Blyton makeover Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:33:57 -0000 How Jill and Mary were replaced by Zoe and Pippa E-mail us Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:22:01 -0000 How to contact the BBC News website education team Cambridge drops law entrance test Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:27:57 -0000 Cambridge University is no longer going to use the full LNat admissions test from next year. GCSE poem dropped over knife fear Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:02:48 -0000 An exam board asks schools to destroy a GCSE poetry anthology because one poem refers to knife violence. Students face allowance problems Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:48:30 -0000 A college is making emergency payments to students - after delivery problems with a government allowance. Learning partnerships 'working' Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:20:32 -0000 Ofsted finds good collaboration between schools and colleges in England in reforming teenagers' learning. Apology over school bus 'chaos' Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:38:33 -0000 A council apologises after what a school governor calls a 'shambles' over school bus arrangements for the first day of term. New pupils have to stay until 17 Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:18:42 -0000 Children starting secondary school in England this week are the first legally required to stay in education until they are 17. Quads separated at school Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:09:51 -0000 A set of 11-year-old quads will be taught in separate classes for the first time after starting at secondary school. Outdoor classes start in schools Tue, 02 Sep 2008 10:43:10 -0000 The first wave of children to follow a 'revolutionary' play-based curriculum is starting school in Wales. Pupils warned over energy drinks Tue, 02 Sep 2008 23:01:18 -0000 The use of Red Bull and other energy drinks by school children is becoming a growing problem, a drug expert says. More pupils to get Three Rs help Mon, 01 Sep 2008 23:03:05 -0000 One-to-one tuition with the Three Rs is to be offered to thousands of children struggling in England's primary schools. 'Confidence hit' as exams change Mon, 01 Sep 2008 15:38:32 -0000 England's exams watchdog says Sats problems have damaged confidence in the system as big changes begin. Under-fives get 'learning goals' Mon, 01 Sep 2008 09:49:58 -0000 Statutory guidelines governing standards of childcare for under-fives come into force in England. Schools start cancer vaccinations Mon, 01 Sep 2008 12:44:47 -0000 Scottish schoolgirls are to become the first in the UK to be vaccinated against cervical cancer. Plea over poor school gym halls Sun, 31 Aug 2008 23:31:24 -0000 Education chiefs say they cannot tackle the poor state of gym facilities in Scottish schools until buildings are upgraded. New pressure over faith schools Fri, 29 Aug 2008 23:02:24 -0000 The government is facing fresh pressure to stop faith schools selecting pupils and staff on the basis of their religion. Weak teachers 'put off pupils' Sun, 31 Aug 2008 11:38:37 -0000 Poor teachers can put children off learning and are too difficult to sack, the chief inspector of schools warns. What future for schools? Fri, 01 Aug 2008 13:38:48 -0000 Mike Baker considers the big picture of where schools should be heading in the future. Tests - do we still need them? Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:00:26 -0000 Mike Baker considers whether the "high stakes" testing regime is still needed. Future of league tables Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:37:46 -0000 Mike Baker says it is hard to see how performance tables can be published on the basis of this year's school tests. Was there ever a golden age? Fri, 11 Jul 2008 17:37:54 -0000
Testing saga - where will it end? Fri, 15 Aug 2008 14:48:52 -0000 Could this year's national testing shambles provide the government with an easy way out from the testing system. Digging for hope Thu, 31 Jul 2008 09:33:14 -0000 English teenagers help African village build classrooms 'Try teaching' scheme booming Tue, 29 Jul 2008 13:06:40 -0000 A scheme that gets American graduates to try teaching in tough areas before other careers is proving a hit. When pupils are too shy to learn Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:16:57 -0000 "Invisible children" too shy to put up their hands could be helped by a scheme to boost their social skills. What is BBC News School Report? Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:13:39 -0000 Find out more about the project which motivates secondary students around the UK to make and broadcast their own news.
The Perpetual Preschool - Over 6,000 free songs, crafts, games, snack ideas, and learning activities for preschool and kindergarten educators to use in the classrooms. Includes thematic units, professional development resources, and teacher forums.
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AOL@SCHOOL Junior - This Internet directory for preK-2 students packages hundreds of educator-reviewed Web sites on math, science, social studies, reading and many other school subjects.
Meta Description: [ This Internet directory for K-2 students packages hundreds of educator-reviewed Web sites on math, science, social studies, reading and many other school subjects. ]
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CanTeach - Resources for Educators - Features classroom management resources, children's songs and poetry, planning tools, and free lesson plans.
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Classroom Charlotte Mason - A discussion forum about the why and how of implementing Charlotte Mason's educational ideas in the early childhood classroom.
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Early Childhood Educators Resources - Links to pages providing ideas for art, science, small group, circle time, and quiet time activities.
Meta Description: [ Resources for Early Childhood Educators ]
Early Childhood Focus - Provides current news stories related to the profession. Allows users to submit news or discuss items, publications and press releases.
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Early Childhood Resources - Links to information about child development, curriculum, and parenting.
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500Earlychildhood.com - Improving the education and general life experience of young children. Advice from experts in the early childhood field, creative projects, and sharing of ideas and questions with the early childhood community.
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EdnoLand.com - On-line preschool community provides resources for teachers and parents, as well as interactive activities for young children.
Everything Preschool - Includes lesson plans, art, songs, thematic units, and book reviews.
Meta Description: [ Everything for preschool teachers and parents. Features Songs, Art/Crafts, Science, Games, and more sorted by themes. Also includes a large selection of coloring pages and book/product reviews. ]
Facts in Action - Summarizes early education research and policy for parents, teachers, advocates, and policymakers . From the Early Education Clearinghouse.
First School - Features activity calendar, educational themes, crafts, printable activities, and other resources in English and Spanish.
Meta Description: [ Free preschool printable activities, crafts, lesson plans, themes and coloring pages for toddlers, preschoolers, Kindergarten, daycare, after-school. ]
Kinder Korner - Resource website for Pre-K through 2nd-grade teachers and includes an early childhood education discussion list with more than 1,200 subscribers.
Kindergarten Classroom - Thematic reading and math readiness activities for kindergarten science and social studies units. Technology connected lessons for each unit plus links to age appropriate sites.
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Marilee Schuhrke's Page - Offers topically-organized annotated links to help teachers develop thematic units.
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Mothergoose.com - Free activities, crafts, games, and printables for ages 3 to 6.
Ms. Haygood's Primary Page - Offers teaching ideas, class schedule, curriculum ideas, and a monthly thematic scope and sequence.
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MuddlePuddle Early Years Home Education - Features thematic activities parents may do at home with toddlers; many games reflect the Montessori approach. Includes a support list and information on Cleft Lip and Palate.
500Postcards for Preschool - Kids at the Preschool Workshop are learning about the United States and other countries around the world. Educators can help by sending a postcard.
Pratt's Educational Resources: Early Childhood Education - Includes thematic activities, games, recipes, coloring pages, songs, and fingerplays.
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Pre-K Directory of Schools - Large, searchable directory of U.S. preschools.
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Preschool Education - Activities for the preschool and kindergarten classroom grouped by theme, and a free newsletter.
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Sherry's Kindergarten - Lesson plans and favorite links for preschool and kindergarten. Changes monthly.
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Step By Step Theme Pages - Offers book recommendations, songs, fingerplays, and art activities for more than themes.
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Suzyque: Cyber Preschool - Offers fingerplays, snack recipes, art ideas, printables, and curriculum calendar. Activities grouped by months and themes.
Tammy's Teaching Tips - Provides tips, themes, ideas, and activities for preschool teachers as well as elementary teachers.
Technology and Young Children - Includes information about educational practices, research, funding. A project of the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Meta Description: [ NAEYC Technology
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Technology in Early Childhood Education - Assists educators in connecting technology with the way young children learn. Includes information about technology and curriculum, project planning, classroom arrangement, software selection, ergonomics, and internet safety.
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The Idea Box - Site aimed at parents and teachers of young children offers games, songs, kid recipes, craft ideas, and message boards.
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The Rainbow Bag - Activities and ideas for parents and teachers of young children. Also includes a page on frequently asked interview questions for beginning teachers.