There is a growing awareness today of the critical impact of the preschool years on a child's later academic success. Some studies indicate that many children today are less well prepared for school than were children beginning school 5 years ago. This publication examines what is known about school readiness; discusses the reasons why some…

This collection of six articles focuses on the importance of play in the education of young children. First, Martine Mauriras-Bousquet provides examples from her work in Asia and Africa to stress the need to preserve children's free play in order to safeguard their cultural identity. Next, Jayananda Ratnaike lists a variety of ways in which…

Prepared as a contribution to the World Summit for Children organized by the United Nations in New York in September 1990, this report highlights and promotes commitment at the highest political level for goals and strategies that ensure the survival, protection, and development of children. As part of the process of looking beyond survival and of…

This paper reviews the research on dissociation and the development of psychopathology in children and adolescents. Definitions and dimensions of dissociation are addressed, noting its range from normative daydreaming to the extremes found in individuals with multiple personality disorder. Memory dysfunctions, disturbances of identity, passive…

This report discusses the effects of lead exposure and toxicity on children's cognitive development and school performance and addresses the role of schools in prevention of lead poisoning. Sources of lead exposure include mining, smelting and refining activities, lead paint, leaded gasoline, and industrial emissions. The results of lead poisoning…

Most of the 161 rating scales, observation instruments, and questionnaires in this bibliography are geared to assessing the developmental levels of preschoolers and children. There are, however, some scales to assess adults' and adolescents' development. Both non-handicapped and handicapped populations are represented. Developmental areas assessed…

Critical thinking (CT) teaching strategies are an effective way for teacher educators, especially those of child development students, to help students understand the individual nature of the learning process, the need for dialogue and interaction, and the need for students to be able to apply theory to practice. CT involves the ability to use…

Noting that some forms of solitude may reflect maladaptation, while others may not, this book seeks to promote better understanding of the developmental meanings, causes, and courses of social solitude in childhood. The five sections of the book cover conceptual and methodological issues; biological and familial factors; social behaviors, skills,…

This document considers the problems faced by the children and adolescents who were affected by the 1986 accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in the Ukraine. It discusses problems with psycho-physical, social, and spiritual development. It is noted that the Chernobyl children do not form a homogeneous population, but can be divided into…

This ready reference health guide features 240 major topics that occur regularly in clinical work with children and adolescents. It sorts out the information vital to successful management of common health problems and concerns by presentation of tables, charts, lists, criteria for diagnosis, and other useful tips. References on which the entries…

Intended for teachers and caregivers who deal with children exposed prenatally to substance abuse, this book gives a general overview of the problem of prenatal substance exposure, describes some of the common issues for children living in drug and alcohol involved families, and offers some practical suggestions for helping these children and…

One of a series of reports documenting efforts at educational restructuring nationwide, this paper focuses on the achievements and ideas of James Comer, founder and director of the School Development Program (SDP) of the Child Study Center at Yale University. The first part of the report presents remarks made by Dr. Comer on the history and…

This paper explores the factors involved in the adjustment of children who must live with grandparents. Some studies indicate these children may be at higher risk for the development of psychopathology and pre-delinquent behavior. In contrast, other studies seem to indicate the love and care of supportive grandparents can lessen the impact of a…

This paper examines the problem of defining quality in early childhood centers, the nature of evaluation methods, and the contributions of research to the promotion of high quality. The concept of quality is multidimensional and dynamic, and there is no consensus about a definition of quality in the literature. Quality can be viewed from many…

Intended for 4-H participants who plan and implement activities in the area of child development, this booklet provides a study guide to help young learners: (1) gain understanding of a preschool child's physical, mental, social, and emotional growth; (2) learn to care for a preschooler and promote preschoolers' feelings of security and safety;…