Noting that the physical and mental growth of children are influenced by many environmental and familial factors, this paper explores improving the well being of children. The first part of the paper discusses child rearing, emphasizing three fundamental themes: creating an environment where children are born healthy and wanted; helping children…

Some characteristics of children, their families, the programs they attended, and the relationship of these experiences to their development are covered in this national report on the immediate changes associated with participation in full year Head Start programs. Major emphasis was placed on the child's cognitive and social development in the…

This report surveys writings by National Institute of Mental Health grant recipients who have investigated this first five years of life. The authors attempted to identify and correlate ideas, themes, perspectives and issues which can be useful in the formulation and evaluation of social policies related to infant and child development. Major…