Head Start has been successful because it includes comprehensive services, parent involvement and family support, a commitment to meeting local needs, training and technical assistance support, and a collaborative approach. This ERIC Digest briefly describes each of these components. Discussion concludes by noting that Head Start must take more…

Models of parent involvement in the education of severely handicapped children are reviewed, and the assertion is made that most parent involvement programs reflect professional priorities rather than parental viewpoints and needs. Assumptions underlying models in which parents are considered teachers are reviewed, and discrepancies between…

The paper describes ways in which parents can help their learning disabled children at home. Suggestions touch upon establishing a set time for evening homework, a consistent place for study, involving fathers in homework, using graph paper to ease arithmetic assignments, considering options for reading assignments, using a duplicate set of books…

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…

The paper describes Project PIPE (Parent Involvement through Parent Education), an approach designed to increase the involvement of parents of preschool developmentally delayed and disabled children in their children's education and treatment programs. Three phases are delineated: (1) development of a community network (facilitating relationships…

The goal of this practicum was to continue parent classroom participation from Head Start to kindergarten. Questionnaire data indicated that, while 27 percent of parents volunteer regularly in Head Start, only 8 percent volunteer regularly in kindergarten. To increase parent participation in kindergarten, Head Start parents and kindergarten…

The paper describes a collaborative effort between Head Start and the Family, Infant and Preschool Program at Western Carolina Center (Morganton, North Carolina). The collaborative effort was designed to accomplish the goals of improving (1) services to handicapped children and their families, (2) the quality of parent involvement, and (3)…

This brief pamphlet considers ways that parents can benefit from visits to their children's schools and from discussions with education staff. Suggestions are listed for planning a school visit, observing the school atmosphere, becoming familiar with school policies and services, understanding school curricula, and discussing student progress.…

The purpose of this directory is to facilitate networking and collaboration among those caring for or providing support services to children with chronic illness or disabling conditions. It is hoped that this directory will enable parents to identify other parents who share their interests and concerns, as well as assist professionals in locating…

Two motivational theories considered particularly useful in administering early childhood programs are discussed, and guidelines for motivating staff, parents, and children are provided. First, the two-factor theory of motivation within organizations, as outlined by Herzberg (1959), is described. Offered in this section are a list of motivators…

The handbook focuses on ways in which local Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC) groups can meet the needs of young parents with retarded children. The importance of recruiting young parents is stressed, and perceptions of these parents toward the ARC are considered. Local ARC units are advised about ways to find young parents in the community,…

Intended primarily for parents of and professionals working with handicapped children, the paper examines the parent-professional relationship and suggests ways to enhance communication. The parent's principal responsibility for monitoring the child's physical, psychological, and educational well-being is stressed. Suggestions for improving…

A look at the Special Education Instructional Technology Project at Utah State University which has been exploring the development and use of learning packages to involve parents in the remediation process. (Author)

The TEEM Implementation of Parent Involvement (T.I.P.I.) is a checklist of various aspects of parent involvement found in TEEM's 19 Follow Through communities. The checklist is not to be used for evaluation but rather to describe the implementation of the parent involvement program and provide a way of determining needs for future parent training.…

This illustrated guide provides basic knowledge that will enable parents to teach their children the techniques and skills of soccer. Practice lessons for individuals and groups emphasize the fundamentals of the game, first from the point of view of technique and skill, and then according to the basic concepts of attack and defense. Cooperation…