This report describes achievements and activities of the Parent Early Evaluation of Kids (PEEK) Outreach Project at the University of Oregon. This project focused on assisting state agencies, regional and tribal entities, and local health and education programs to develop comprehensive, low-cost systems for child-find and referral. Rural and inner…

Although Montessori parents recognize the importance of early second-language acquisition and would like to help their children obtain these skills, they often lack the knowledge that would enable them to take an active role in supporting such learning. The staff of the Montessori Center of Nyack, New York, devised three simple ways to bring…

The purpose of the current report is to replicate analyses from the previous NCES report (Vaden-Kiernan 1996) with data from the 2003 survey. As with the previous report, parent-reported school information practices are discussed first and then examined in relation to the frequency of parent involvement at the school. Next, parent-reported school…

Head Start programs provide critical comprehensive services for young children with or at risk of developing disabilities. Both the Head Start Act and federal Head Start performance standards require a mix of outreach, early child assessments, and evaluations, followed by comprehensive educational, medical, and social services provided in an…

This final report describes activities and findings of a 3-year federally supported outreach project, which was designed to replicate a developmentally appropriate interactive technology literacy curriculum model into early childhood special education programs serving children (ages 3-6) with mild to moderate disabilities. Major goals focused on…

This final report summarizes the activities and outcomes of a federally funded outreach project designed to provide training and materials to educators interested in replicating key aspects of the Regional Program for Preschool Handicapped Children, located in New York State. All the major objectives of the project's outreach efforts during the…

The 2000-2001 annual report of Minnesota's PACER (Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights) Center, a statewide organization that provides information, training, and assistance to parents of children and youth with disabilities, reports on 24 programs in three categories: parent training (12 programs); programs for students and…

The 22 essays and case studies in this book offer a theoretical and practical guide on outreach programs of colleges and universities. The chapters are: (1) "The New American Outreach University: Challenges and Options" (Richard M. Lerner, Lou Anna K. Simon); (2) "The Land-Grant Idea and the Evolving Outreach University" (James T. Bonnen); (3)…

Schools that are most successful in engaging parents and other family members in support of their children's learning look beyond traditional definitions of parent involvement to a broader conception of supporting families in activities outside of school that can encourage their children's learning. This idea book is intended to assist educators,…

Noting that children with special health care needs (CSHCN) make up one of every six children eligible for the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), this study examined how SCHIP responded to the needs of children with chronic illnesses and disabilities. This qualitative study was based on the implementation experiences in 18 states.…

This report presents an evaluation of the HealthWorks! Kids' Museum, an urban education center designed to help children in grades preK-8 understand and make good choices about healthy living and lifestyle choices. It includes an exhibit floor and interactive classroom areas with a program highlighting how body systems work; a game challenging the…

Mentoring programs enrich children's lives, help meet their need for positive adult contact, and provide one-on-one support and advocacy. Positive mentoring experiences have proved to be an effective tool to help youth overcome the risk factors that can lead to problems such as educational failure, dropping out of school, and involvement in…

This paper describes how one non-profit organization is evaluating its effectiveness in providing services to adults with developmental disabilities. Kindcare, a non-profit ecumenical organization serves over 150 adults with developmental disabilities in the southeastern Wisconsin area. The program provides education, social, and support programs…

The number of elderly people in Denmark continues to grow, which means there is an increasing need for special library services to those elderly who are not able to come to the library because of physical or mental limitations. This paper uses the practices of Sollerod Public Libraries (Sollerod, Denmark) to frame the discussion of the following:…

This CRitical Issues Bibliography focuses on higher education partnerships with the community. It is divided into: (1) general resources about the value of community and college partnerships and trends related to these collaborations; (2) model programs and best practices from programs and institutions that engage particular communities; and (3)…