This Reflection on Practice is based upon a change in the undergraduate course "Family and Community Relations." Historically, this course has been taught on campus in a lecture format, as well as small and large group activities. However, during a spring semester at a midsized Midwestern University, it was altered to provide more direct…

In today's world of restrictive school budgets and increasing property taxes, it is an unfortunate reality that many school districts will be faced with a budget crunch crisis that unenlightened school boards may try to solve by cutting or eliminating funds for music. At the crisis stage, it is often only the effective advocacy of an organized…

Points out that a potentially serious flaw in many school-based programs lies in the fact that these programs are often for rather than by parents. Suggests that parents be included in the conceptualization, planning, and implementation of such programs. (MG)

The author describes a process through which parents of exceptional children or school personnel in any community can organize a parent group for themselves and their children. (CL)

This collection of articles, intended for kindergarten teachers, focuses on the importance of the teacher's relationship with parents and the need for parents to be active participants in their child's educational development. The first article reviews the literature and research related to parent/early childhood education, touches on some current…

Provides a brief description of issues associated with the new consumer mentality prevalent in society and how it affects campus community living. Also examines issues of specific importance to housing administrators in relation to today's students and parents. (Contains 13 references.) (GCP)

Examines the question of crossing cultures in early childhood education settings. Suggests that parenting education should focus on clarifying parents' values and goals rather than on socializing them into the standard early childhood perspectives. Suggests that early childhood educators help people clarify their cultural values and examine how…

Notes society's increasing demands that men assume a more active role as fathers. Lists five principles for developing a male involvement program in child care settings outside of home. Claims that these programs can be successful if female facilitators are sensitive to gender differences in communication and aware of the unique needs men bring to…

Because of limited resources and rising populations, more intentional relationships among university departments are needed to achieve common goals, especially in parent programming. Article focuses on novel partnering opportunities for student affairs and institutional advancement departments. (GCP)

Highlights the themes of this special issues of "New Direction for Student Services," providing a rationale and strategy for working with parents of college students. Suggests titles for further research. (GCP)

Relationships between schools and families of children with learning and behavior problems are discussed in terms of the benefits of parent involvement, barriers to effective home-school partnerships, ways that schools and families can collaborate, and skills that support parent-teacher collaboration. (DB)

Missouri is the only state with a statutory mandate to provide parent education and family support services in every school district. Parents as Teachers is designed to enhance child development and scholastic performance by reaching out to families before a child is born. (Author)

The changing expectations of the families of today's college students may clash with institution's traditional philosophies of parental involvement. Article examines familial expectations and recommends strategies for developing appropriate channels for involvement. (Contains 20 references and 4 tables.) (GCP)

This article reviews research concerning (1) myths surrounding parents with mental retardation, (2) how life experiences of adults with mental retardation impact their parenting, and (3) characteristics of early intervention programs that meet the needs of parents with mental retardation. (DB)

Questions theoretical assumptions underlying current provision of Australian early childhood distance education and proposes an alternative attitudinal base dependent on these assumptions: There are differences in settings, role, and role relationships in home-based programs; parent is main educator; and teachers' role and interpersonal skills…