Includes an overview of perceived cultural changes in the role of fathers, the changing nature of parent education and family support programs, a theoretical perspective of paternal involvement, and strategies for home economists in family life and parent education programs. (SK)

Presents a useful technique for helping meet individual student needs and improving reading comprehension. Examines how literature can be used, through the bibliotherapeutic technique, with collaborative groups to facilitate the total development of children. (MG)

Developmental language disorders in preschool children are described. Levels of linguistic functioning are defined, and clinical language disorders are presented. Implications for the school psychologist are discussed, with an emphasis on assessment of verbal and non-verbal functions. (SLD)

Analyzed kindergarten report cards from Ohio public schools. Results indicated that there was an emphasis on academic skills and that kindergartners were expected to master skills in work habits and reading and math readiness. A behaviorist perspective was favored. (PCB)

Maintains that diversity enriches child care programs. (BB)

Discusses the origins of biological risks and their potential consequences for prepregnancy, prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal periods. Presents epidemiological data. Addresses issues of assessment of infant development and interventions provided for infants whose development is at risk. Highlights goals for prevention. A nationally derived data…

Summarizes research on school effectiveness and teacher effects. Considers schooling and the learning environment within an ecological-transactional framework. Proposes interventions directed at the social regularities of the schooling environment as strategies to improve the learning environment of the school and optimize student outcomes.…

Discusses children's understanding of death during early and middle childhood. Describes four basic considerations (communication, acceptance, routine, and reactions) that apply to all situations with bereaved children. Looks at situation-specific reactions to terminally ill classmate, parental death, death of sibling, death of friend or relative,…

Introduces this special issue and presents a variety of clinical, research, interview, classroom, observation, assessment, and survey techniques. These techniques are intended to improve children's lives. Notes that some of the articles provide theoretical support for the techniques suggested and used, some describe programmatic models, and some…

Research demonstrates that children develop psychological "resilience" through the fostering of certain protective factors in their lives. Youth programs can promote development of these protective factors by helping children build attachments to adults and others and develop social competence and by providing meaningful participation in…

Describes research on nurturance, focusing on one study of children aged two through six and their interactions with a baby. Boys were found to be as nurturing as girls, but in different ways. Describes a parent survey indicating that girls spent more time than boys playing with and caring for babies. Notes the societal influences on children's…

Suggests that the current practice of teaching children about American Indians stems from a belief that Indians represent a positive role model for the "savage" aspects of childhood. Traces this belief through writings of Charles Eastman, G. Stanley Hall, Ernest Thompson Seton, and Holling C. Holling and their romanticized views of life…

Reviews a book that suggests that customary educational practices are in direct conflict with principles of human learning and development. Suggests that experiential learning can correct deficiencies of traditional schooling by promoting genuine understanding and relevance for students. (LP)

Data are considered for 152 children (ages 2 months to 6 years) who underwent brief developmental evaluation and referrals in response to parents' concerns. Members of a multidisciplinary team simultaneously observed and interacted with the children in an arena setting. Data largely confirmed parents' perceptions of their children's development.…

This brief article responds to a previous article on guidelines developed by professional associations for developmentally appropriate early childhood special education practices. The importance of individualization in the application of practices is emphasized, and sample criteria are offered for evaluating the practices. (DB)