Surveys examined the perceptions of 22 early-interventionists about their degree of involving families in the Individualized Family Service Plan process, and assessed the satisfaction of 90 parents regarding the services they and their child received. Parents appeared equally satisfied with interventionists regardless of interventionist's degree…

The beliefs of 280 early childhood teachers regarding aspects of family-centered programing were assessed using the Family Involvement Survey. Results showed that public school teachers reported less positive beliefs about parents' interests and abilities and lower competence in relating to families than did either child care or Head Start…

Describes developmental and behavioral characteristics of homeless young children and their parents. Reports on how states and communities are attempting to meet the early education and care of young children in homeless families. Discusses the needs or problems that early education and care programs that include homeless children should address.…

Reviews the history of La Cabana kindergarten, which provides preschool education and meals for 100 children and sewing classes for mothers in a working class neighborhood in Bogota, Colombia. Describes the implementation of a new curriculum which develops child creativity through free choice of activities around a common project. (AC)

Responds to criticism of Head Start by outlining Head Start's goals and design; reviewing research studies of the program's effectiveness; discussing the cost of funding quality programs; and providing examples of expanded Head Start programs that serve infants, toddlers, and school age children, and examples of creative uses of supplementary…

To meet new North Carolina requirements for "infant credential" and "preschool handicapped" certification, teachers and other professionals working in 19 (mostly rural) early intervention programs received on-site training that combined seminars, consultation, and trainee projects. Evaluation revealed program characteristics…

Research pointing to the need for routine support and followup for families with infants leaving Neonatal Intensive Care Units is described. A discharge planning process is then recommended, involving assessing the infant's needs, family functioning, family needs, and cultural considerations and linking families with community services. (JDD)

Recent criticisms of Project Head Start have resulted in plans to improve program services and to expand in a more thoughtful manner to make the program more responsive to the needs of children and families. New directions include expansion below and beyond the ages previously served by Head Start. (SLD)

A study involving 265 Australian parents of children enrolled in preschools found most preferred informal sources of support on child management. Inconsistent management techniques, greater use of punishment, lack of confidence, and a need for help with coping strategies were found in families experiencing more aggressive behaviors in their…

Describes a successful effort to develop services for ex-offenders and their children and families that enhance community integration, build social support networks, and assist community institutions in mobilizing services for this population. Considers program components, the development of the program through a school of social work, and…

This article describes recommended practices for the development of family-centered Individualized Family Service Plans and provides a summary of recent research examining their use in Kansas as a component of program review. Suggestions of how speech-language pathologists can apply recommended practices are provided. (Contains references.)…

This article identifies three areas in early childhood special education which need further work: working with families to define social outcomes, expanding our definition of social behaviors and moving toward a framework based on social relationships, and developing interventions that are socially valid, ecologically valid, and sustainable across…

The Family-Centered Behavior Scale assessed perceptions of 443 parents/caregivers of special needs children [126 with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD)] of the importance and frequency of family-centered behaviors of professionals, primarily special education teachers, social workers, and physicians. Parents agreed on the most important…

Discusses the rationale behind the movement to link services to schools through school-linked, family resource centers. Describes several exemplary program, already developed, and outlines the promise this movement holds as a major social work strategy for revitalizing communities. Focuses on parental involvement, skill development, and how to…

This introductory article provides an overview of the national evaluation conducted within the original 22 grantee communities funded from 1993 to 1999. The history and underlying foundations of the evaluation are presented. Specific evaluation questions and components are outlined, and issues that evolved out of the evaluation process are…