New Jersey children and families begin this new decade with the state and nation in an economic downturn that has been marked by widespread job losses, an increased rate of child poverty and a growing number of households without enough to eat. These challenges are reflected in the measurements of child well-being in this report. "New Jersey…

Describes an experimental program at the University of Surrey (England) to show children that education can be enjoyable and is not necessarily the regimented, apprehensive affair from which many suffer. The existing teenage program was extended to include younger children and school-vacation day programs were added to the evening classes. (MF)

Describes an optional full-day, tuition-based kindergarten in Colorado that serves as an alternative to private child care. The primary objective was to provide a safe, educationally enriching environment for kindergarten-age children. The program is both successful and profitable. A sidebar lists guidelines for developing similar programs. (MLH)

Since 1936, this Phoenixville (Pennsylvania) school, summer day camp, and day care center for children aged 2-7 has implemented the philosophy that children learn best through play, in a nurturing environment where loving people attend to their physical and emotional needs and their intellectual and artistic growth. Contains a resource list of…