Noting that investments in children are often the first casualties of lean state budgets, this advocacy "toolbox" offers information on the most pressing needs of New Hampshire children and on effective solutions. The toolbox begins with information on advocacy and characteristics of an effective child advocate; specifically, an…

Play is a natural activity for children that provides opportunities to learn and grow physically, mentally, and socially. These two booklets offer toy selection advice from the government agency charged with protecting the public against unreasonable risks of injury associated with consumer products. The first booklet outlines toy choices for: (1)…

Noting that high quality group care for infants and toddlers can enrich children's early experience and provide critical support to their families, this guide is designed to help caregivers and other interested parties in early care and education recognize and communicate the skills and knowledge needed to offer nurturing group care that supports…

This report describes the impact of nurse consultant services to child care programs in Colorado on the children, parents, and staff of the centers they serve as part of the Healthy Child Care Colorado (HCCC) initiative. Study participants included 25 child care center directors and 24 nurse consultants, representing large and small centers in…

There is evidence that diesel exhaust causes cancer and premature death, and also exacerbates asthma and other respiratory illness. Noting that the vast majority of the nation's school buses run on diesel fuel, this report details a study examining the level of diesel exhaust to which children are typically exposed as they travel to and from…

In June, 1999, the U.S. Departments of Justice and of Health and Human Services convened the National Summit on Children Exposed to Violence, bringing together experts to develop a framework for understanding and addressing children's exposure to violence. This Summary describes that framework, presenting an action plan that outlines principles…

Examines a wide range of potential safety and security issues in center-based child care. Suggestions include specific procedures for responding to all likely emergencies and for evacuating the center; plans to notify parents and secure the children; and safe access to the center and children in a consistent and sensible way. (AA)

School professionals, particularly new teachers and principals, are confronted with myriad challenges throughout their day. Recognizing and reporting child maltreatment is one of these challenges. Research suggests that school personnel are in the best position to identify and report maltreatment because they have consistent daily contact with…

Objectives: The objectives were to (1) delineate the definition, common forms, and perceived risk factors contributing to child neglect in Guatemala from the perspective of different stakeholders and (2) identify the challenges faced by child protection practitioners in identifying children at risk of neglect within the context of Guatemala.…

This article focuses on a teaching method developed by Maria Montessori, starting with activities in the primary classroom, which are continued through the elementary years. The author discusses a few child-centered techniques in preparing children for their work within a larger community--the whole human family. In the Montessori environment, the…

The health and safety standards presented in this document represent the consensus of many practitioners about good practice in child care. The standards are intended to guide a wide audience such as caregivers, public health professionals, licensing agencies, departments of education, and parents. Standards directed to facilities appear in…

A practicum was designed to reduce disruptive behavior of students riding school buses in a small multicultural community. It was determined that many students were disruptive when riding the school buses, making it difficult for the bus drivers to ensure riders' safety. The practicum implemented a school bus safety education and public awareness…

Through an Internet campaign, the Doc4Kids Project gathered stories from pediatric caregivers about children whose health has been compromised by poor housing and whose health has been improved by housing assistance. The medical literature was also reviewed to estimate the total impact of inadequate housing on child health in the United States.…

An update of information first compiled by the Children's Foundation in 1991 and updated in 1993, this 1994 day care licensing study presents the results of a survey of the regulatory offices of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Following a summary of results in question-answer format, the entries for…

This handbook provides material designed to aid school administrators and classroom teachers in providing a safe environment for their elementary school children and incorporating safety education into regular classroom and school activities. Chapter 1 outlines the basic fundamentals in planning elementary school programs; defines the function of…