Argues for the importance of fluoridation in childhood as a preventive health measure and critically examines objections raised against its use. (Author/SS)

Suggests that there is a pressing need to find ways of developing more services which aim to strengthen and complement families. To do this effectively, these services must be developed according to the families' needs and values. (MP)

Encourages parents, teachers, and other professionals to recognize and study the importance of nutrition for the development of handicapped children. (CM)

Argues that in today's changing society, child care is being assumed by both primary and secondary caregivers. Five principles by which child care should operate during the 1980s are suggested. (Author/MP)

Discusses means of aiding preschool teachers to include music in their preschool programs. (DB)

Discusses the general standard of health of Australians, the trend towards a lifestyle of fast foods and less excercise, and the relation between diet and three major diseases: heart disease, cancer, and stroke. (Author/SS)

Reviews the different models of early intervention, including educational, sociological, family-focused, and ecological models, and discusses their differing outcomes. Asserts that, as Australia moves toward economic rationalism, it is important for those in the field of early intervention to be clear about what they want to achieve to justify to…

This paper provides a short commentary on some aspects of Russian childhood, especially parental attitudes, and parent/child/school/community relationships. (CM)

Discusses early childhood education in Australia from a teacher's perspective, and provides teaching suggestions for teachers and other adults working with children of ethnic minority groups living in two cultures. (CM)

Maintains that assumptions which are fundamental to sound day care program development and implementation relate to the family first and to the needs of children second. Parental involvement, sources and types of financial support, and the needs of individuals should be of concern to policymakers. (Author/DB)

Clarification of issues will help training persons provide services to preschool children and families. Issues include content of training programs, parenting roles, and objectives of early childhood education programs. The author suggests expanding (1) the scope of preschool personnel training, (2) diversity of child services, and (3) the…

Predicts that changing sociocultural patterns will affect services for Australian children in the 1980s. Among topics discussed are demographic changes: a decreased birth rate and an increased number of working mothers in fatherless families at the poverty level. Compensatory education programs and family policy development in Western societies…

Examines the use of perceptual-motor programs as physical education in early childhood programs. Contends that low rates of physical activity without variety, little skill instruction, teacher-centered instruction, limited opportunities to develop social skills, and a multiple station format are counterproductive to motor skill development and…

Reviews current research about families of young children with disabilities, and raises issues related to the actual application of this knowledge at both policy and practice levels. Notes that a deficit model has guided much of the study of young children with disabilities, but that alternative conceptual perspectives, advocating a…