Using diverse representative sources, child developmental outcomes (e.g., delinquency and achievement) are studied in black, Hispanic, Asian, and white ethnic groups. Covariance matrices computed for these ethnic groups and compared by a LISREL goodness-of-fit test indicate the similarity of developmental processes for different ethnic and racial…

Twenty-two preschool children with cognitive delays were observed during independent play at home and group free play at school. Assessed developmental age was more predictive of play behaviors in home independent play than in classroom free play. Findings highlight the need to consider contextual variation associated with play-based assessment…

The relationship between substance use (tobacco, marijuana, and alcohol) and conduct problems and delinquency was investigated for 2,573 boys in grades one, four, and seven in Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania). Substance use is an indicator of boys who exhibit problem behaviors. Results are related to a developmental conceptualization of these problems.…

Maternal views on the separateness and independence of their children were investigated through interviews with 60 Japanese and 60 Israeli mothers about their kindergarten children. Cultural differences between subjects living in Fukuoka (Japan) and Jerusalem (Israel) are discussed for their implications for the study of child development. (SLD)

The development of sex stereotype knowledge (SSK) was studied using 120, 120, and 204 Portuguese children aged 5, 8, and 11 years, respectively. SSK increased with age and socioeconomic status. Results are compared with findings from Brazil, Latin America, and a 24-country study by D. Best and others (1977). (SLD)

Telephone interviews were conducted with parents of 1,601 children to investigate the utility of a statewide (Ohio), first-step screening procedure called Developmental Profile II. With developmental delay specified as the outcome variable, six independent variables representing environmental and biological determinants were identified.…

Discusses the benefits of mixed-age grouping for children's social and cognitive development and reservations parents sometimes have about mixed-age groupings. Also discusses issues that teachers need to consider when implementing mixed-age groups: children's personal care routines; furnishings; children's language, motor, creative, and social…

This article reviews research findings on the types of abuse known to occur in day care; the dynamics involved, including the types of threats used to silence young victims; patterns of disclosure; implications for clinical evaluation of preschool-aged children in suspected cases; and influence on psychosexual development and the development of…

Explores Maria Montessori's notion that a young child's brain is significantly different from an adult's and that young children develop according to a series of predictable "sensitive periods." Cites numerous empirical studies that support these and other ideas Montessori postulated without the advantage of sophisticated scientific…

If we define success as having all students perform at the same level at the same age, we magnify the effects of developmental differences and discourage those who are not advantaged academically. All students should receive the kinds of services the most advanced do now. (SLD)

Answers teachers' questions about physical fitness, emphasizing children's physical fitness, why people believe children are unfit, children's activity levels, heredity and maturation in fitness testing, test results, adequate fitness, activity, and participation, how long it takes children to get fit, reward systems, current fitness testing, and…

Effects of task demands, age, and skill level on memory and metamemory performance were examined for 62 average and 66 low-achieving learning-disabled children. Memory improved with age and skill level, and strategic metamemory revealed age and skill-level differences, but taxonomic metamemory revealed age differences in the average group only.…

Children in intentional communities interact with a wide variety of adults independently, observe many parent/child relationships, and experience their parents in roles other than parent. Informal learning experiences about subjects not usually available to children abound. Integration into a community promotes childrens' academic and social…

Assesses effectiveness of three preschool curriculum models by examining the lives of 68 23-year-olds randomly assigned to one such group as economically disadvantaged preschoolers. Young people experienced fewer emotional problems and felony arrests if they had attended a preschool program based on child-initiated learning activities geared to…

Suggests that quality child care includes loving relationships between staff and child and between child and child. Emphasizes personal attachment and socialization as builders of a child's tolerance, self-identity, independence, and generosity. Identifies positive emotional context as crucial for learning environments. (DLH)