Discusses the interpersonal and organizational underpinnings of group living and residential child care, with group living perceived as an arena for children to practice life's demands. Argues that individual development and change proceed through interpersonal experience and the context in which they occur. (KH)

Methodological flaws have spoiled the literature that attempts to link maltreatment to juvenile delinquency. This article presents improved definitions and measuring procedures for maltreatment and delinquency. The empirical findings show that certain types of child abuse and neglect are related to delinquency but that other types of maltreatment…

Drawing on longitudinal followups of Head Start children, cross-cultural data from Denmark, and studies of gifted and talented persons, this article advises parents that out-of-home care need not be harmful to their children. However, a high-pressure academic program might have long-lasting negative effects. Cites 14 references. (MLH)

In 1981, the Missouri State Department of Education hired the authors to design a model parent education program to enrich children's learning experiences during the first three years. The program, whose availabilty is now mandatory in Missouri, grew out of the authors' research with above average preschoolers and other early childhood studies.…

Based on a 1983 presentation, this article characterizes the nature of play and delineates its fundamental functions. Relates an experiment showing how free play aided problem solving more than structured lessons in young children. Concludes with suggestions for facilitating play to aid intellectual growth. (JDH)

Relates six play-based teaching techniques used in an experimental Soviet primary school. Reviews the theoretical foundations of this approach, with particular emphasis on psychology. (JDH)

Reviews theoretical literature on the use of play in education. Notes the lack of consensus regarding the usefulness of play, including "activity methods" and games, but goes on to advocate a central role for a "pedagogy of play" in the modern school. Concludes by considering the need for teacher training. (JDH)

Discusses the role of the computer in the classroom and the Piagetian view of knowledge acquisition. Points out the critical role the computer can play through the development of its interactive abilities in the construction of student knowledge. (MD)

Studies the communication of affect between depressed mothers and their infants and its relation to infant socioemotional and cognitive development through face-to-face interaction. Findings indicate that there are correspondences between the behavior of depressed mothers and their infants. (Author/BB)

Presents observations of three children's styles of symbolic language focusing on how each leaned to different degrees on drawing and talking to create their imaginary worlds and thus faced different challenges in rendering those worlds in print. (SRT)

Commenting on the Gesell Institute's response to his original article concerning the Gesell assessments, Dr. Meisels continues to maintain that the Gesell readiness tests lack sufficient proof of validity. (BB)

Special education schools for children with severe learning difficulties are described in terms of their organizational structure, their functional role within the educational system, and their methods. Argues that psychology has a potentially strong influence in special education and idealizes the inclusion of child development as a legitimate…

Discusses the founding of a post-World War I mass circulation periodical, PARENTS' MAGAZINE, aimed at educating parents in new child-rearing practices through research supported by the Laura Spelman Rockefeller Memorial (LSRM) fund program. Also discusses unsuccessful efforts of two chief program officers to maintain control over magazine…

Using a data sample from the New York Longitudinal Study, this study tests the hypothesis that the relation between maternal role satisfaction and child adjustment is mediated by the quality of the mother-child relationship. Results illustrate use of a process model in the explanation of the relation. (Author/NH)

Reviews past research in the area of early childhood education, points out current realities, and suggests future possibilities for investigation. Discussion of these possibilities centers on finding research support, gaining access to programs and securing the confidence of teachers and parents. (HOD)