The Right Stuff for Children Birth to 8: Selecting Play Materials to Support Development
By Marth B. Bronson, National Association for the Education of Young Children

This book provides guidance to caregivers in the appropriate selection of play materials for young children. The suggestions are based on considerations of safety, developmental abilities, and social/emotional factors. The book is organized into six different age ranges:

1. young infants (birth to six months);
2. older infants (7 through 12 months);
3. young toddlers (1 year old);
4. older toddlers (2 years old);
5. preschool and kindergarten children (3 through 5 years); and
6. primary school children (6 through 8 years).

In each chapter, the play materials are grouped under four headings:

• social and fantasy play materials;
• exploration and mastery play materials;
• music, art, and movement materials; and
• gross motor play materials.

The author guides the selection of play materials by considering abilities and play interests, initial appropriateness considerations, suggestions for appropriate materials, and priorities and special considerations.

Selected resources are offered at the end of the publication, as well as a Guide to Play Materials by Type (Arts and Crafts, Audiovisual, Balls and Sports Equipment, Books, Construction materials, Dolls, Dressing/Lacing/Stringing materials, Games, Grasping toys, Mirrors, Mobiles/Visuals, Musical Instruments, Outdoor and Gym equipment, Pattern-Making, Play Scenes, Puppets, Push and Pull toys, Puzzles, Ride-on equipment, Role-Play, Sand/Water play, Specific Skill Development, Stuffed toys/animals, and Transportation toys).

Available from:
National Association for the Education of Young Children
1-800-424-2460

Training Guide for the Head Start Learning Community: Observation and Recording: Tools for Decision Making
Developed by Aspen Systems Corporation, for the Office of Head Start, Administration for Children, Youth, and Families, Department of Health and Human Services.

This training guide is part of the series of guides relating to the Education component for Head Start programs. It is designed to help staff develop observational skills that will enable them to create effective child development curriculum.

The four training modules are as follows:

Module 1 - Using Observation in Early Childhood Programs

The goals for this module are to: Gain an understanding for the role of observing and recording children’s behavior in the program; Identify and use a variety of observational methods; Match appropriate observational techniques with goals; and Learn how to write an accurate and objective running record.

Module 2 - Overcoming Observation Challenges
The goals for this module are to:

• Identify personal biases staff have that could interfere with objective observations;
• Take corrective actions to overcome personal biases;
• Identify and address program-related challenges that interfere with the staff’s ability to conduct observations; and
• Develop a plan for overcoming any of the barriers to objective and regular observations of children’s behavior.

Module 3 - Working with Parents to Enhance Observations
After completing this module, staff will be able to:

• Include parents in the observation process;
• Use observation as a tool for answering parents’ questions and concerns about their children; and
• Work with parents as partners.

Module 4 - Interpreting and Using Observation Results
Staff will develop the skills to:

• Make valid inferences and draw meaningful conclusions about collected observational data;
• Determine with whom, in addition to parents, they should share observational interpretations; and
• Link observation results to program decisions about children.

There is also a section for continued professional development and a list of additional resources. The appendix includes sample observation records, a discussion of confidentiality issues, and guidelines for developing a child’s portfolio.

Available from:
Head Start Publications Management Center
Fax your request to: (703) 683-5769

A Dance with Baby: A Guide to Infant Care Giving and Development
By Linda Elliot, Gail Breakey, and Linda Fox Hawaii Family Stress Center

The Family Institute of the Hawaii Family Stress Center (pioneers of the Hawaii Healthy Start Program) developed this 34-page booklet to help parents better understand and meet the needs of their newborns. Program staff seeking resources for parent education on various topics related to infant development might find this resource useful. The booklet is organized in a series of steps that describe various aspects of caring for an infant:

• Step One - Trust Building
• Step Two - Feeding Baby
• Step Three - Sleeping
• Step Four - Holding and Touching Baby
• Step Five - Looking
• Step Six - Talking to Baby
• Step Seven - Crying and Consoling
• Step Eight - Playing with Baby
• Step Nine - Providing Basic Care
• Step Ten - Feelings
• Step Eleven - Supporting Your Baby’s Development

There is also a section for photographs and memories of the child’s first months. The booklet ends with two pages of safety precautions.

The information in the booklet was based upon the work of the Hawaii Family Stress Center with high risk families of newborns. The research of Katherine Bernard, R.N., Ph.D., provided a foundation for the discussion of early interaction and attachment. The booklet is available in both English and Spanish.

Available from:
The Family Institute
Hawaii Family Support Center
55 Merchant St., 22nd Floor
Honolulu, HI 96813
Telephone: (808) 535-7660
Fax: 808-535-7699
$2.00 each plus shipping/handling

A Foundation Training Guide for the Head Start Learning Community Nurturing Children
Developed by Aspen Systems Corporation for the Office of Head Start, Administration for Children, Youth, and Families, Department of Health and Human Services.

This Foundation Training Guide is the first in a series of training guides related to education services in Head Start programs. The training activities are designed to help participants recognize the individual needs of children, encourage autonomy, and support the role of families as their children’s first teacher.

Module 1 - Tuning into Children
As a result of participating in the module, participants will be able to:

• Identify their specific role in influencing children’s development;
• Identify children’s basic developmental needs; and
• Apply basic child development principles in their work with children.

Module 2 - Interacting with Children As a result of participating in this module, participants will be able to:

• Listen to children in order to understand their individual needs, perceptions, and interests;
• Talk to children in ways that support their positive self-concept and address their individual needs.

Module 3 - Nurturing Children through Families
As a result of participating in this module, participants will:

• Identify and build on family strengths in nurturing children;
• Recognize the primary influence of parents in the lives of their children; and
• Recognize the variety of ways parents can be involved in educating and nurturing their children.

The sections on Continuing Professional Development and Resources provide a variety of contacts and publications for more information in the area of child development and early education.

Available from:
Head Start Publications Management Center
Fax your request to: (703) 683-5769

Caring for Infants and Toddlers in Groups: Developmentally Appropriate Practice

Developed by ZERO TO THREE: National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families, this publication presents an overview of how infant and toddler development can be supported in child care settings. The first section of the guide describes development during the young, mobile, and older periods of infancy, and highlights individual variation in development. It offers examples of how caregivers and families can work together to promote infants and toddlers’ healthy growth. Section two examines eight components of quality in group care for infants and toddlers. The third section places infant/toddler child care in the context of a community network of supports and services for families with young children.

Available from:
ZERO TO THREE
Publications Division
Telephone: 1-800-899-4301

The Zero To Three Child Care Anthology: 1984-1992

This volume offers a wide variety of articles that originally appeared in the bulletin Zero to Three. Written by leading experts in child development and child care, the various articles cover topics ranging from the importance of relationships in infant care to integrating early intervention and child care programs. Successful models for infant care are explored and different perspectives on the appropriateness of group care for infants and toddlers are presented.

Available from:
ZERO TO THREE
Publications Division
Telephone: 1-800-899-4301

Back to Top