Redleaf Press

The CDA prep guide; the complete review manual for the child development associate credential, 2d ed.

Pierce (early childhood education at Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana), an educator, Child Development Associate trainer and advisor, and credentialing representative of the Council for Professional Recognition (which administers the CDA program), provides a review manual for childcare providers pursuing the Child Development Association Credential. She explains the credential, how to prepare, and the process for center-based preschool, center-based infant/toddler, and family child care providers. She also discusses the verification visit, preparing for the early childhood studies review and oral interview, how center directors can support candidates, and renewal and second setting credentials. This edition reflects updates to The Child Development Associate Assessment System and Competency Standards books and includes new tips and information on recent changes to application procedures. (Annotation ©2011 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

So this is normal too?, 2d ed.

Lags in skill development and challenging behaviors in preschool children are normal but can be improved upon and moved towards state early learning standards, says Hewitt, an early childhood education specialist at the Minnesota Department of Education. She outlines standards for social-emotional, language and literacy, cognitive, and motor development, and approaches to learning, and how teachers and parents can identify children who need more specific planning and support to expand their skills. This edition has early learning standard links to common lags and challenging behaviors, research on brain development, ideas for working with dual-language learners, information on the impact of stress on children, an updated planning form, and revised reproducibles with suggestions for skills and behaviors needed for future learning and success. No index is provided. (Annotation ©2011 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Swinging pendulums; cautionary tales for early childhood education.

Noting that for some early childhood education principles, opinions have swung too far to the extreme, Mooney, an early childhood educator and instructor at Granite State College, presents essays meant to promote discussion about key controversial issues and suggest ways to find balance. She focuses on the areas of professionalism, health and safety, curriculum, regulation, discipline, and caring communities, addressing such topics as snacks, literacy, technology, licensing, problem behavior, and political correctness. No index is supplied. (Annotation ©2011 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)