Transforming the Workforce for Children Birth Through Age 8

Transforming the Workforce for Children Birth Through Age 8

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2015-07-23

Total Pages: 587

ISBN-13: 0309324882

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Children are already learning at birth, and they develop and learn at a rapid pace in their early years. This provides a critical foundation for lifelong progress, and the adults who provide for the care and the education of young children bear a great responsibility for their health, development, and learning. Despite the fact that they share the same objective - to nurture young children and secure their future success - the various practitioners who contribute to the care and the education of children from birth through age 8 are not acknowledged as a workforce unified by the common knowledge and competencies needed to do their jobs well. Transforming the Workforce for Children Birth Through Age 8 explores the science of child development, particularly looking at implications for the professionals who work with children. This report examines the current capacities and practices of the workforce, the settings in which they work, the policies and infrastructure that set qualifications and provide professional learning, and the government agencies and other funders who support and oversee these systems. This book then makes recommendations to improve the quality of professional practice and the practice environment for care and education professionals. These detailed recommendations create a blueprint for action that builds on a unifying foundation of child development and early learning, shared knowledge and competencies for care and education professionals, and principles for effective professional learning. Young children thrive and learn best when they have secure, positive relationships with adults who are knowledgeable about how to support their development and learning and are responsive to their individual progress. Transforming the Workforce for Children Birth Through Age 8 offers guidance on system changes to improve the quality of professional practice, specific actions to improve professional learning systems and workforce development, and research to continue to build the knowledge base in ways that will directly advance and inform future actions. The recommendations of this book provide an opportunity to improve the quality of the care and the education that children receive, and ultimately improve outcomes for children.


Early Childhood Assessment

Early Childhood Assessment

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2008-12-21

Total Pages: 501

ISBN-13: 0309124654

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The assessment of young children's development and learning has recently taken on new importance. Private and government organizations are developing programs to enhance the school readiness of all young children, especially children from economically disadvantaged homes and communities and children with special needs. Well-planned and effective assessment can inform teaching and program improvement, and contribute to better outcomes for children. This book affirms that assessments can make crucial contributions to the improvement of children's well-being, but only if they are well designed, implemented effectively, developed in the context of systematic planning, and are interpreted and used appropriately. Otherwise, assessment of children and programs can have negative consequences for both. The value of assessments therefore requires fundamental attention to their purpose and the design of the larger systems in which they are used. Early Childhood Assessment addresses these issues by identifying the important outcomes for children from birth to age 5 and the quality and purposes of different techniques and instruments for developmental assessments.


Pediatric Physical Therapy

Pediatric Physical Therapy

Author: Jan Stephen Tecklin

Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Published: 2008

Total Pages: 706

ISBN-13: 9780781753999

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The Fourth Edition of Pediatric Physical Therapy provides a comprehensive introduction to the major diseases and disabilities common to children who require physical therapy and the examination and interventions commonly employed in their rehabilitation. This book presents basic medical information regarding common clinical diagnostic categories, followed by physical therapy evaluation, treatment and special issues within each diagnostic group. It features additional coverage on the development of the musculoskeletal, neurological and neuromuscular, cardiac, and pulmonary systems which conforms to the APTA's Guide to Physical Therapy Practice. NEW TO THIS EDITION: Case studies to enhance learning process found online at http://thepoint.lww.com/tecklin4e. Four all-new chapters: Pediatric Physical Therapy, Cultural Sensitivity and Family-Centered Care; Traumatic Injury to the Central Nervous System: Spinal Cord Injury; Traumatic Disorders and Sports Injuries; and Cardiac Disorders Extensive revisions to incorporate a number of important developments in the profession, including emphasis on evidence-based practice regarding examination and treatment of children More emphasis on clinical decision-making, by including case studies throughout the book, in order to enable students to understand and work through the process of patient examination Additional coverage on the development of body systems including musculoskeletal, neurological and neuromuscular, cardiac, and pulmonary. This conforms to the APTA's Guide to Physical Therapy Practice. Boxes regarding the nutritional needs of children with the diseases and disorders Improved design and art program including many new illustrations and visual information displays


Multifaceted Assessment for Early Childhood Education

Multifaceted Assessment for Early Childhood Education

Author: Robert J. Wright

Publisher: SAGE

Published: 2010

Total Pages: 361

ISBN-13: 1412970156

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Multifaceted Assessment in Early Childhood is ideal for those on upper-division undergraduate courses and first-level graduate courses in early childhood education assessment. The book covers the various measures used in a range of assessment dimensions, and includes valuable information regarding young children with special needs and English Language Learners, which has rarely been touched upon in other textbooks. The chapters are focused on student accessibility and include practical applications of key concepts. Features and benefits: Covers a range of assessment concepts, including - Formative (uses feedback from learning to adapt teaching) -Summative (i.e. tests, quizzes) -Authentic (focuses on complex/deeper tasks) -Standardized (STAR, SAT) Includes coverage of assessment for English language learners and children with special needs -- topics that are not provided enough coverage in other books (including Wortham, McAfee, Puckett and Mindes). Wright's writing style grabs and engages the reader in the topic. Two of our reviewers who use Wortham specifically cited Wright's writing style as a reason they would adopt our book. A McAfee reviewer is likely to switch for the same reason.