The "IDRA Newsletter" serves as a vehicle for communication with educators, school board members, decision-makers, parents, and the general public concerning the educational needs of all children across the United States. The focus of this issue is "Early Learning." Contents include: (1) Current Proposals for Texas' Investment…

Initiatives such as the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) reflect America's recent emphasis on literacy and educational accountability. Policymakers have a heightened interest in educating children earlier and fostering brain growth, in part due to the increased awareness of research on brain development and the importance of the early years…

This document, designed to introduce all ages to a selection of popular Chinese games, describes these games and provides instructions and materials for making the items needed to play most of them. Section 1 suggests class activities that can be related to some of the games. Section 2 presents instructions for the physical or outdoor games of:…

Based on the view that parents are their children's first teachers, this trainer's guide presents a series of 10 workshops or "literacy learning parties" designed to assist parents and other family caregivers in helping their preschool children develop the skills needed to learn to read and write. The workshops are small, structured,…

Ways hospitals can promote the psychological and social well being of young patients are explored in this paper. First, the importance of familiarizing the child with the hospital is emphasized. Second, emotions hospitalized children may feel and the possible causes of those emotions are listed. Third, methods hospital personnel can use to help…

Based on developmentally appropriate practices, research, NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) standards, and Head Start guidelines, the Teaching Your Young Child Series is a videotape and print parent curriculum that gives parents the skills to help their children be more successful in school. The curriculum, intended…

Leading experts in infant/toddler development have contributed succinct essays drawn from research, theory, clinical case studies, and carefully documented practice. Each essay represents current thinking in the field of infant/toddler development and care. Individually and as a collection, the essays provide a springboard for reflection,…

This guide presents low tech solutions that have worked for some people with disabilities or their parents. Twenty-one ideas are offered to give children with physical disabilities more opportunities for play and art. Examples include recycling stuffed animals into puppets, punching a hole in top of playing cards to accommodate a mouth stick, and…

This guidebook provides information, exercises, and self-assessment instruments for training elderly people about the theory and practice of child care and development so that they can become caregivers in their homes or in community centers. The guide's eight units cover: (1) physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development; (2)…