Celia A. Decker retired after 38 years of service in early childhood education. At the time of her retirement, she held the position of professor of early childhood education at Northwestern State University and served as the program coordinator of graduate studies in early childhood education. In addition to coauthoring this text, she is the author of Children: The Early Years and its supplements, as well as coauthor of Parents and Their Children, both published by Goodheart-Wilcox. She has presented papers at national, regional, and state annual meetings of professional associations such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the Southern Early Childhood Association, and the Association for Childhood Education International. She has served as a consultant for Head Start, Even Start, and local school systems. During her years of teaching kindergarten in an inner-city school system and as a college professor, she received many honors. Dr. Decker has been named to Who's Who in Child Development Professionals, Who's Who in Personalities of the South, Who's Who in American Women, and the World's Who's Who in Education. In 1994, she was selected as the Outstanding Professor at Northwestern State University.
John R. Decker retured after an elementary teaching and administrative career of 37 years. Before entering the field of education, he served as a district scout executive for Kaw Council, Boy Scouts of America, Kansas City, Kansas. His educational career included elementary teaching positions in inner-city schools, in an open education program, and in rural public schools. He also served as assistant professor of education, taught college courses in education, and supervised preservice teachers in a federally supported college-based program. He has frequently given speeches and workshops for professional organizations. He has been recognized for his 30-year membership in Phi Delta Kappa.
Nancy K. Freeman, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Early choldhood Education and Director of the Child Development and Research Center at the University of South Carolina. A former child care director and teacher, she currently consults for the campus child care center. Nancy has scholarly publications and conference presentations on topics such as professional ethics, service learning, and preparation of the childcare workforce. She is Chair of the Governor's Advisory Committee on the Regulation of child day Care Facilities, has served on the Governing Board of the National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators (NAECTE) and will assume its presidency in 2009.
Herman T. Knopf, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education at the Child Development and Research Center at the University of South Carolina. A former child care director, teacher, and professional development coordinator, he is currently a consultant for the university-based child care center, and is engaged in research exploring the use of computer technology to enhance assessment practices and family communication among early care and education providers. He has published scholarly articles focused on family involvement, enhancing literacy practices, and professionalism in the field of early childhood education. He is presently on the board of directors for the Southern Early Childhood Association and the South Carolina Early Childhood Association.
