This book presents a compilation of papers generated by the research unit of the Comer School Development Program. The program operates from the basic theme that if school staff understand child development and how to organize and manage their school building as a social system, a climate that facilitates learning among the greatest number of…

An instructor's guide with "active learning" teaching techniques, handouts, transparency masters, and other supplementary materials was developed for use with the Child Development Associate (CDA) Training programs in Texas community colleges. The project is a 1-year continuation of the Child Development Associate Credential (CDA)…

Studies comparing neuromotor and mental functioning of normal and disabled populations have shown that lower cognitive functioning is significantly related to lower motor functioning for retarded or disabled children but not for normal children. In an effort to further examine the relationship between these two functions, a study was conducted of…

Data from the National Survey of Children (Waves 1 and 3), a longitudinal survey of 2,000 children who were between the ages of 7 and 11 during the first wave in 1976 and between the ages of 16 and 20 during the third wave in 1987, were analyzed to examine the impact of paternal involvement during childhood as well as the ongoing father-child…

The mother of a 16-year-old daughter with autism offers a parental perspective on coping with a child's disability. The paper emphasizes that through direct interaction with the child and the child's teacher and through taking an active role in the child's activities and achievements, the child's potential can be discovered and the child can be…

Educational, psychological and mental health, and medical computer databases were searched, and three occupational reference texts were examined, in an effort to identify the position of the child development specialist (CDS). Other objectives were to initiate a dialogue in the profession and among those who might value services of CDSs, and to…

This report discusses the use of cocaine throughout history; the introduction of crack cocaine in the early 1980s; its use by pregnant women; and the resulting impact on their infants, including premature births, deformities, and impaired neurological functioning. Studies which show that the neurological impairments continue into at least early…

Practical suggestions for improving the mealtime environment in child care centers are provided for child development personnel. Nine factors to ensure a successful mealtime environment are given along with suggestions for introducing new foods and for encouraging independence and socialization during mealtime. A section dealing with special…

Included in this proceedings is a schedule of activities and the text of addresses made at a one-day institute for educators. Dr. Asa Hilliard of Georgia State University delivered the keynote address, which focused on the power of teaching to make a difference. Ten additional topics were addressed in four subsequent sessions. Papers given in the…

Studies suggesting appropriate literature for children at various stages of social and intellectual development can offer only a general picture of children's changing response to literature. While smaller children appear to prefer shorter stories in simple language, for example, they readily accept the unfamiliar place names or nonsense words of…

This manual offers practical guidelines for many of the concerns that parents have about their infants and toddlers. The manual is divided into seven chapters; each is written by an expert in the field of pediatrics, early childhood education, nutrition, or family care. The following areas are covered: (1) newborn and infant care; (2) growth and…

Reporting recent information from research and service programs, this report presents issues concerning young children and their families. The report includes six sections; contents focus on the growth and developmental needs of children under 3 years of age. Section 1 discusses the importance of attachment between a baby and one or two…

Results of a study on physical space, materials, and activities of children and adults are used as the basis for suggestions for arrangements of physical space conducive to stimulating growth-producing behaviors of children in preschools and day care centers. (ED)

Noting that quality in early childhood education is related to the quality of communication and interaction among teachers and children, this article explores how teachers can facilitate children's telling others about their perspectives of the world. The paper asks the questions: "How do we as researchers and teachers interpret the child and…