Introduction

Often referred to as a laboratory from which the general early childhood education community can learn, Head Start has benefited from more than 45 years of experience. Its unique blend of early childhood practices, assessments, and monitoring, along with a social service style approach, contribute to Head Start standing out as a premiere early childhood program.

Purpose of the Book

This book is designed to be a teaching tool for workshops and courses as well as an on-site resource for current and future Head Start teaching staff and others in early childhood education.

Content Overview

By presenting background information, vignettes, research, and classroom activities, this book on school readiness combines best practices in early childhood education with relevant applications. Topics, written by experts in their fields, include:

• Approaches to learning and teaching strategies
• Assessments
• Behavior management
• Classroom set up
• Curriculum and lesson plans
• Early language, literacy, math, science, social studies, and creative arts
• Physical health and development (gross and fine motor skills)
• Social and emotional development
• Teaching young children with disabilities and dual language learners
• Tips for involving parents in their children’s education