Children's early school experiences shape their learning in future years. The transition from pre-kindergarten, or pre-K, to kindergarten is particularly important. This critical time builds the foundation for children's academic, behavioral and social-emotional skills, as well as families' relationships with their child's teachers for years to…

Improving early literacy is essential to increasing high school graduation rates allowing students to be successful in postsecondary education and ensuring the prosperity of all Americans, according to a report released by the National Governors Association (NGA). "A Governor's Guide to Early Literacy: Getting all Students Reading by Third…

This guidance is written to assist State educational agencies (SEAs), local educational agencies (LEAs), and schools in understanding and implementing preschool programs supported with funds under Title I, Part A (Title I) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended (ESEA). Although each SEA may consider this guidance in the…

Maryland's 24 school systems have made great strides in improving public education from pre-kindergarten through high school to ensure children are getting a high-quality education. This guide provides information and online links, including: (1) Maryland's state testing and reporting processes; (2) Programs available to support student…

The article describes three preschool units for children with special educational needs and considers the problems in integrating them into the mainstream. They note that true integration must include involvement of parents and collaboration with teachers. (CL)

Intended for administrators of preschool special education programs, the manual provides guidelines concerning the administrative processes accompanying transition to the elementary program. These include: (1) procedures for establishing communication and information exchange between the preschool program and the local education agency; (2)…

One of 10 documents developed for preschool programs for handicapped children, the manual focuses on the use of parent volunteers (or paraprofessionals) in the classroom. The introduction examines the program's purpose and rationale, provides an overview of the parent volunteer system, and considers recommended setting, and the appropriateness of…

Developed by the staff of the Albuquerque Integration Model (Project AIM Outreach), the guidelines present a framework for organizing and conducting an integrated classroom for handicapped and nonhandicapped preschoolers. AIM is reviewed in terms of its conception of placement along a continuum of less restrictive environments. Guidelines center…

Suggests ways parents can support quality education at school and at home and can help young students become more competent and self-reliant. (RH)

The handbook describes the Home Start Training Center's approach to serving Head Start families. Much of the program is focused on the Portage Project and on early intervention efforts for preschoolers. The first of the major parts of the handbook presents an overview of the approach, reviewing the philosophy of parent-focused home-based…

A "Father's Day" was created to promote fathers' participation in a preschool class for physically handicapped and developmentally delayed children. Planning and actual implementation are described along with suggestions for making the day a success. (CL)

By recognizing the importance of early transitions for young children with handicaps and viewing transition as a lifelong process, professionals can guide parents in developing skills that can be applied to subsequent transitions throughout the child's life. Described are steps in the transition process, parents' transition skills, and expected…

This publication presents an overview of programs and practices that schools can use for involving parents in the education of their children at home and in school. The first chapter describes programs that demonstrate the ways in which parents can be involved in the education of their children of 1 to 5 years of age. A list of 10 approaches for…

These home learning activity guides have been developed for parents to use with their 4-year-old children. Most of the activities require only household items that are often thrown away and can be recycled for learning activities. Some require no materials at all. The guides frequently begin with a discussion of home activities; progress through…

This book describes 21 toys that were designed to stimulate development in low birthweight babies, ages 0-3, and can be made from basic materials found in the home. Step-by-step instructions are given for each toy along with a list of necessary supplies. Illustrations and/or patterns are provided as needed. Each entry includes suggestions for…