A defining feature of Head Start is its whole-family approach where programs partner with parents and guardians to identify their strengths and needs, set goals, and access services to improve family wellbeing. However, little research evidence exists about how Head Start and Early Head Start staff members do this essential work. The "Head…

Against the background of a European-wide strategy of governance aimed at improving support for parents and families, the following report details the conceptualization and evaluation of a federal state program in Baden-Württemberg (Germany) which was launched in 2008 to encourage family and parent education. Two program components, a voucher…

In 2011, the U.S. Department of Education invited states to apply for the Race to the Top--Early Learning Challenge (RTTT-ELC) to help states' efforts in supporting young children and their families through the development of more unified early learning systems, better information sharing among educators, and an increase in access to quality early…

The first 5 years of life are a critical foundation for children's early learning and lifelong development. This eBulletin highlights school readiness, how early experiences matter, the role of preschool in supporting readiness, and state and local efforts to implement recommendations from the National Governors Association (NGA). The following…

Describes the beginnings of Head Start in detail. Discusses Head Start's record in providing health care for low-income children. Compares early Head Start with the program of recent years. Discusses ways in which Head Start emphasizes children's health and helps Head Start parents and family members. (BG)

On Head Start's 30th anniversary, highlights its components of parent involvement and family support, commitment to meeting local needs, training and technical assistance support, and collaborative approach. Also discusses the Head Start Reauthorization Act and the special advisory committee's recommendations for the improvement of the Head Start…

This guide describes a variety of resources that serve young children and their families affected by substance use. It was created to assist state and local program personnel and others to access resources that can assist them in developing comprehensive services for young children and their families who have been affected by alcohol and other…

The Families Involved in Schools and Community (FISC) Project was a federally funded project to develop and demonstrate the use of a model Individualized Family Service Plan process for young children with challenging needs and their families. The model emphasizes an individualized family systems perspective, informal nonintrusive assessment and…

This overview describes the Child and Family Resource Program (CFRP), a child-centered Head Start demonstration program which is designed to provide family support services for healthy family growth and development. Part I reviews the program's background objectives and key elements (required minimum services, additional services, assessment, use…

The mission of the Center of Families, Communities, Schools & Children's Learning is to conduct research, evaluation, and policy analyses aimed at increasing knowledge about how families, schools, and communities influence student motivation, learning, and development, as well as how to strengthen the connections between these three major…

This study of individualized family service plans (IFSPs) addresses two questions. First, do IFSPs include family-centered assessment and outcome data (an indicator that the practices established by the legislation are taking place)? Second, does the family-centered data recorded in the IFSP vary with the presence or absence of a school social…

This volume, third in a series evaluating the Child and Family Resource Program (CFRP), provides an overview of the evaluation, documents the first 6 months of the study, and examines initial program impact on families. Chapter 1 briefly summarizes the design of the CFRP evaluation and addresses the issues of sample selection and attrition, data…

In this document, a "two-generation program" is defined as a program "that addresses the developmental needs of children within a family support context." The rationale for Head Start as a two-generation program that includes, but goes beyond, the boundaries of the welfare reform strategy, is explored. Major program goals…

This serial "double issue" focuses on protecting children and supporting families through greater collaboration between child welfare services and family resource programs. The issue includes the featured articles: (1) "Making the Media a Constructive Force in Child Welfare" (Kathy Bonk), which discusses how the media and child welfare agencies…

This document identifies resources that serve young children and their families affected by alcohol and other drug use. The resources are organized into three sections: National Training and Information Resources, State Programs and Agencies, and Federal Funding Sources. Information on locating grant funds from federal agencies, private…