Get Connected To A Listserv

A listserv is a group email where all members can share information with the group and discuss topics of interest between each other. Listservs are interactive and generally each has their own policies and Netiquette (proper online behavior). Some lists do not allow job postings and others do, for example. It is important to remember that emails to the listserv go to all of the members and it is not a vehicle to discuss with just one other person about personal issues. To join a listserv, you may send an email message or you may complete a brief form on a web page. You may have the option of requesting the messages be sent in “Digest” form, which means all the messages during the day get bundled and sent in one email. Otherwise, you receive an email whenever a member writes and sends one. Some people set up a different email accounts for listservs because some can have a large number of messages per day. To set up a new email account go to: http://www.prospector.cz/Free-email-accounts/ and select the best one for you. Discussion groups generally do not come to your email account, but are housed on a web page and you visit to read and post your responses when you choose to do so.

EARLY CHILDHOOD LISTSERVS & DISCUSSION GROUPS

Early Childhood and Parenting Collaborative at the University of Illinois ECPC sponsors several early childhood related listservs, some of which are co sponsored with other agencies or individuals. Below is a selected list of examples.
DIRCRED-L, which focuses on national and state director credentialing
ECEMEN-L, which focuses on men working in early childhood
ECENET-L, which is a place to share ideas, problems and solutions
ECPOLICY-L, which focuses on policy issues that impact children
ECPROFDEV-L, which is designed for those who are involved in professional development of those who work with young children
PROJECTS-L, focuses on the curriculum method called the project approach
REGGIO-L, focuses on the Reggio curriculum approach to early childhood
SAC-L, focuses on school age child care issues

Early Head Start Staff Program Listserv
A listserv limited to current Early Head Start program administrators and staff.

National Association for the Education of Young Children's Technology & Young Children Interest Forum Listserv
ECETECH-L LISTSERV is a NAEYC membership listserv.

National Network for Child Care
The KidCare listserv is sponsored by the National Network for Child Care, which is supported by the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service, U.S. Development of Agriculture, and CYFERNet; the Cooperative Extension System's Children, Youth, and Family Network.

National Coalition For Campus Children's Centers
A listserv designed especially for professionals working with young children on college campus settings.

Promising Practices Afterschool Listserv
The American Academy for Educational Development and the Center for Youth Development and Policy Research hosts the Promising Practices Afterschool listserv.

Training and Technical Assistance Services at Western Kentucky University
T/TAS sponsors the ECEHS-Talk listserv especially for Head Start and Early Head Start program managers. Examples of topics discussed include child assessment, child outcomes, professional development, program evaluation, and regulations.

Teaching Strategies
The Creative Curriculum email discussion group, which focuses on this specific curriculum and other resources published by Teaching Strategies, as well as related topics.

University of Maine
Early Childhood Education On Line, ECEOL-L, offers support and the chance to exchange ideas about working with children birth to eight years old.

Zero to Three Discussion Groups
Zero to Three sponsors online discussion groups in the following topics: child care, health care, and early intervention.