Noting that the American public's concern for children is shaped by complicated and sometimes conflicting beliefs about family life, this paper examines the policy debates surrounding child care, early childhood development, family leave, and children's health insurance, and analyzes how well advocates have adapted to the new realities. Part 1 of…

This document consists of the three 1999 issues of The Bernard van Leer Foundation's "Early Childhood Matters." This periodical, addressed to practitioners in the field of early childhood education, evolved from an in-house publication directed to projects funded by the Bernard van Leer Foundation. Articles in the February 1999 edition…

The need for improved access to quality services for children and their families has resulted in a wide variety of early childhood and out-of-school time initiatives. Recognizing that developing financing plans and finding funding sources are a major challenge for these initiatives, this guide is intended to assist state and local officials, as…

This brief report on the topic of the public education of adults indicates that progress has been made in the field of child development and parent education; that this field has been stimulated by large appropriations from private and public sources; that public agencies are taking over more and more of the responsibility for parent education;…

Drawing upon recent research findings and upon a case study of a child learning to talk and to read, the author outlines the important similarities in the development of both language and literacy. The characteristics of parent-child interaction which support language acquisition--semantic contingency, scaffolding, accountability procedures, and…

Research on early childhood education, child development, and school readiness is used to support the argument that formal schooling for children under 8 or 10 years old is less desirable than home-based instruction. Research on neurophysiology, social-emotional development, cognitive development, school entrance age, parental potential, and other…

Schools are one of the culprits responsible for the "Me" Generation's attitudes, through emphasis on the child's individuality, rights, freedoms, and lack of attention to obligations toward society. Schools should try to redress the balance by helping students realize obligations toward society as well as their individual rights.…

Reviews a 1977 research report on infant day care in New York City. Topics discussed include the sample, physical health and health surveillance, psychological development, and the children's daily experiences in child care. Main findings are summarized, and implications are discussed. (Author/DB)

This English translation of a Russian study surveys the contributions of P.P. Blonskii, a revolutionary educator who set forth the original framework for experimental socialist education. The study relates Blonskii's ideas to current Soviet educational policies. (AM)

This lengthy study analyzed cognitive, behavioral, and family background variables in boys, age 6-7 and 10-11, from socially handicapped families. (Note: Page f. . .=fiche number.) (CP)

First-, third-, and fifth-grade children and their teachers were interviewed in the fall and spring to assess the developing relationship between teachers' and students' beliefs about punishment. Teachers with more punitive beliefs had students whose beliefs were more punitive when compared with students whose teachers had less punitive beliefs.…

Explored relationship between family resources and social competence of 300 adolescents. Found that parental education, occupation, and family income were related to positive peer and teacher-related social competence among advantaged adolescents. Negative responses and outside family support were positively related to disadvantaged adolescents'…

Proposes a more dimensional, holistic, child- and action-oriented educational-psychological approach for working with gifted preschool children, based on experiences with the Hanover Project and findings that previous kindergarten educational reforms in Germany did not sufficiently recognize and promote gifted preschool children. Examines…

Examined effects of early supportive parenting on children's school adjustment. Found that supportive parenting (maternal warmth, proactive teaching, inductive discipline, and positive involvement) predicted adjustment (behavior problems, social skills, and academic performance) in grade 6, even after controlling for kindergarten adjustment and…

Discusses the importance of using developmentally appropriate practices in early childhood classrooms, especially in teaching gifted students. Describes characteristics of young gifted children, emphasizing their advanced abilities in specific domains. Concludes that educators need to understand each child as a unique individual and should strive…