Combining the latest research and policy developments, this book helps kindergarten teachers - preservice, novice, and experienced - improve their classroom practices and maximize student success.

"Ehly′s book is vital for any novice early childhood teacher. Her straightforward writing style helps teachers understand developmentally appropriate practices, and the book gives concrete examples on how to implement them in today′s accountability-driven educational climate."
—Melissa Dubick, ESL Prekindergarten Teacher
Austin Independent School District, TX

Promote learning every day by aligning your practice with standards-based expectations!

Today′s kindergarten teachers are expected to provide learning experiences that support the development of the whole child and also be accountable for guiding their students toward mastery of the academic skills and content included in state standards.

This valuable new resource shows preservice, novice, and experienced kindergarten teachers how to improve their practices to meet the new expectations and prepare children for success beyond kindergarten. This practical guide brings together the established knowledge base on child development, the current research on standards-based best practices in elementary school settings, and the newest findings on learning. Offering 10 keys to success, such as developing behavioral expectations and establishing partnerships with students and families, this classroom-friendly reference guide includes:

• Practical tips for implementing the 10 key strategies
• Lesson plans, templates, forms, glossaries, and other helpful resources
• Real-world classroom vignettes of master teachers in action
• Checklists at the end of each chapter

The Learning-Centered Kindergarten helps all early childhood educators enhance their classroom practice and foster students′ future success.