The article describes two elementary level basic skills programs operating in Alabama, one tailored for and operating throughout the state, and the other funded for 10 Appalachian Alabama schools by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). The article details the way two schools use their ARC funds. (SB)

The counselor-consultant can play a vital role in helping parents provide more effective sex education for their children. A counselor-coordinated program for parents is outlined in this article. (Author)

Examined effects of child care on mothers' levels of stress, and parental and life satisfaction. Found that all the child care variables contributed significantly to mothers' stress levels. However, the more satisfied mothers felt with child care arrangements, the greater their satisfaction as parents. Results suggest that adequate child care must…

Discusses the importance of team-oriented home visits by Head Start workers as a way of establishing trust; opening lines of communication; and providing support, assistance, and resources to client families. Argues that home visits provide insight into issues of parenting, physical and mental health, social service needs, and cultural awareness.…

Observes that children's interests, especially their fascination with personal changes in height, weight, and abilities, can be used to help teach concepts of time and change. Illustrates how family and community contexts can be incorporated into this teaching. Includes suggested learning activities. (MJP)

Interviews with 9 Southeast Asian families, 10 children, and 4 Head Start staffers found both families and staff were unaware of differences in their beliefs and values in the area of education, parenting, child learning, and disability, which led to confusion and misunderstanding. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

Looks at health education content in primary schools in Africa and India. Argues that health education is vital because it links home with school. Notes that curriculum planners have difficulty planning and delivering health education because they cannot work across the curriculum and rely on textbooks and examinations. (CAJ)

Presents the official position of the National Association for the Education of Young Children on the role of early childhood programs in preventing child abuse. Outlines recommendations on early childhood program policies; staff screening, recruitment, and retention policies; and policies to promote close partnerships with families. Offers…

Notes that allegations of sexual abuse against early child care providers are serious, but relatively rare. Presents guidelines for preventing sexual abuse in child care and early childhood programs; guidelines include attention to staff selection, training, and supervision, and good parent-staff relations. Also offers advice for dealing with both…

Describes the ensuing conflict when the book "Daddy's Roommate" was included as part of the preschool anti-bias curriculum. Discusses parent boycott, letters to parents, board discussions, and formation of a committee to propose solutions. Describes the voting plan based on position statements on both sides of the issue and how creating…

Discusses the shallowness of Western culture, how U. S. culture is carried by the family, and the interruption of family life by television and public school. Explores the distinction between paternal and patriarchal fathering, how fathers are fleeing the family, the role of parental authority, and the father's role of teaching manual work to…

Summarizes research investigating children's transition to primary school from Pacific early childhood centers in New Zealand. Key issues emerging from the review include continuity of Pacific Islands languages and culture between home, early childhood center, and school; home-school partnership; teachers' and parents' expectations regarding…

Describes collaborative project between an art specialist and kindergarten teacher to develop take-home art appreciation kits for kindergartners. Discusses benefits of the collaboration for teachers, children, and families. Focuses on aesthetic inquiry approach to the art kits to develop inquiry and critical thinking skills. Describes the kits'…

Draws on data from three demonstration studies to examine predictors of low-income parents' child care use, child care problems, and public subsidy receipt. Finds that the best predictors of center-based care use were ages and number of children, parents' education, and personal beliefs about family and work. Race and ethnicity effects were…

Examines the use of reading diaries, in which parents of poor readers recorded their child's reading activities at home. Indicates that children made a mean gain in Reading Age Score of 6.3 months after five weeks of using the reading diary approach. Reports positive change in reading attitudes for both parents and children. (MG)