Introduction
Introduction True/False Questions
Circle T if the statement is true; circle F if the statement is false.
T F 1. We can expect the same mix of children in early childhood classrooms today as has been
true for the past two decades.
T F 2. Parents have become less critical to the education process than they used to be.
T F 3. There is more than one path to becoming an early childhood professional.
T F 4. The National Association for the Education of Young Children defines early childhood
as the preschool years.
T F 5. The NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct is designed to notify parents regarding
expectations for professionals in early childhood.
T F 6. When we say that in high quality programs staffing is stable, we mean that the same
caregiver stays with the same children long enough to establish warm, loving
relationships.
T F 7. The federal government funds most early childhood programs.
T F 8. Children who attend high quality early childhood programs are more likely to continue
in school longer than is true for children in poor quality programs.
T F 9. Most American parents cite quality as a key factor in selecting an early childhood
program for their child.
T F 10. Quality is determined primarily by what children are expected to learn in the early
childhood program in which they are enrolled.
Introduction Multiple Choice Questions
Circle the best answer.
11. An early childhood professional is someone who works with children ages:
a. Preschool to second grade
b. Four to eight
c. Birth to eight
d. Birth to five
12. When does early childhood begin?
a. At birth.
b. Upon the child’s entry into childcare.
c. Upon the child’s entry into preschool.
d. Upon the child’s entry into kindergarten.
e. This varies from one ethnic group to another.
13. The population of the United States is changing. Which of the following conditions is NOT
identified in your textbook as one of the challenges created by these circumstances?
a. Many parents from other cultures will not be interested in education.
b. Many children will speak languages other than English.
c. Children will come from varied cultural backgrounds.
d. Children will come from varied socioeconomic backgrounds.
14. According to the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct which one of the following
responsibilities is most important?
a. We shall support the rights of children with special needs.
b. Above all, we shall not harm children.
c. We shall not participate in practices that discriminate against children and
families.
d. We shall respect the uniqueness of each child.
15. “The professional is never a ‘finished’ product.” Select the most appropriate interpretation of
that statement.
a. Professionals go to school off and on their entire careers.
b. Professionals continuously work to stay current in the field by reading, reflecting, and
attending professional development activities.
c. Professionals must obtain a CDA credential and then update it every five years.
d. The professional must work to attain the highest early childhood level – Level VI.
16. What statement best describes the role of families in the early education process?
a. Parents follow the lead of professionals in educating children.
b. The role varies as children mature.
c. Families are considered children’s first-teachers.
d. How involved parents are in their child’s program depends on the parents’
education.
17. Which of the following would NOT be considered an early childhood education program?
a. Head Start
b. Even Start
c. Religious preschool
d. Second grade
e. Girl Scouts
18. Which of these is a distinguishing characteristic of the early childhood professional?
a. Working with young children.
b. Receiving a higher salary than is received by non-professionals.
c. A college degree.
d. Specialized training in early childhood.
19. Which of these is the best indicator of a high quality program for children?
a. Adults have specialized training in child development.
b. The rooms are pretty and clean.
c. The program has testimonials from the people enrolled there.
d. The program includes the words developmentally appropriate in its program literature.
20. Which of the following statements is NOT true about children who experience low quality
programs?
a. They are often children from low-income families.
b. They do okay as long as their parents spend a lot of extra time with them at home.
c. They are likely to have poor social skills.
d. They tend to exhibit behavior problems.
21. What is true about the learning that occurs in families?
a. It is most significant during the first three years of life.
b. It is an important element of children’s education.
c. It is significant for social learning, but has little impact on academics.
d. a and c
22. By 2006 it is expected that children who do not speak English will make up approximately
what percentage of the early childhood population in the United States?
a. 100%
b. 60%
c. 35%
d. Less than 15%
Introduction Short Answer Questions
Give a short, concise answer to each statement.
23. Name three characteristics of high quality early childhood programs.
24. Name 3 benefits to children enrolled in high quality early childhood programs.
25. Name 3 drawbacks to children enrolled in poor quality early childhood programs.
26. Identify 5 characteristics of an early childhood professional.
27. Name 5 different types of early childhood program.
(Refer to Table 1 in the Introduction for a comprehensive list.)
Introduction Essay Questions
Give complete responses to each statement.
28. Describe the differences between high quality and poor quality early childhood programs,
both in terms of structure and impacts on children.
29. Describe what we mean when we say that families are children’s first teachers. What
implications does this have for early childhood education?
30. As the population of children and families in the United States becomes more diverse, what
implications does this have for early childhood education?
INTRODUCTION
Answer Key:
Short Answer: Give a short, concise answer to each statement.
