In his testimony, Jon Baron, president of Coalition for Evidence-Based Policy, recommends reauthorization of the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program (MIECHV) Program. He outlines three reasons that support his recommendation: (1) MIECHV represents an important, bipartisan departure from the usual approach to social…

The paucity of research on learning and development may seem surprising, but it is a pervasive fact. Research relating brain science to learning and development is even sparser, with scant evidence investigating connections between mind, brain, and education. Indeed one reason for the prevalence of neural myths is that so little research links…

During a career spanning five decades, Edward Zigler has combined scholarly research with public service to promote national and state policies that are good for all children. Often called "the father of Head Start," he served on the planning committee for the program in 1965 and became the first director of the Office of Child…

Recounts an interview with Olivia Golden, Commissioner for the Administration on Children, Youth, and Families (ACYF) who oversees a broad range of programs for children and families. Discusses her career; goals for her office; and Head Start, particularly the program's future, highlights of the reauthorization legislation, collaborative efforts,…

This article argues that the federal government will continue to shape the field of early intervention but in ways that differ from what has been seen in past years. Federal involvement in cross-state variability in eligibility, expected program outcomes, noncompliance, and directed research in perceived areas of need is discussed. (Contains…

This article describes the possible effect a smaller federal government would have on empowerment of families of individuals with developmental disabilities. The concept of empowerment and how families have come to rely on government support are discussed. The article also reviews the impact that decreased government support would have on early…

A framework is provided for thinking about how welfare reform affects young children with disabilities and their families and strategies are presented for addressing their unique needs. The article documents the relationship between disability and poverty, reviews major changes in the law, and highlights challenges. (Contains references.)…

Mary Story, Karen Kaphingst, and Simone French argue that researchers and policymakers focused on childhood obesity have paid insufficient attention to child care. Although child care settings can be a major force in shaping children's dietary intake, physical activity, and energy balance--and thus in combating the childhood obesity…

This article describes the relationship of federal, state, and local policy as it relates to early childhood special education policies. It describes the balance of power among the three levels of government and hypothesizes that efforts on behalf of young children need to be increasingly focused on local action. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

This report questions the efficacy and utility of the Head Start program by challenging the widely accepted belief that early intervention can prevent future dependence and delinquency. This belief assumes that: (1) sweeping conclusions can be drawn from the study of a few unique preschool programs; (2) children's futures are fundamentally…

Designed to help political leaders plan and organize a systematic set of government initiatives and policies to improve the quality of life for American families, this document provides a blueprint for mounting a comprehensive effort in support of America's children and their families. The document begins by outlining the need for a national plan,…

This paper is the first in a three-part series on the fiscal provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It provides a brief overview, history, and related background information on the major federal special education funding programs, including basic state grants under Part B of the IDEA (which require participating…

Drawing from a broad-based review of relevant research and literature, this report outlines selected national, state, and local policy developments in 1991-92 related to the collaboration among family, school, and community. Specifically, the report examines policies related to interventions for infants and toddlers; family support; coordination…

A survey of the states was conducted, focusing on coordination of services and financing for Part H of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. On average, states reported using some 21 different sources to support the service delivery system, with each of the 44 funding sources listed being used by at least one state for at least 1…

This report presents the Council for Exceptional Children's (CEC) analysis of the status of federal support for education of children with disabilities and/or giftedness, focusing on fiscal year (FY) 1996 appropriations and FY 1997 budget processes. Preliminary information includes a budget overview; a chart comparing appropriations,…