Two studies evaluated effects of First Step to Success, a collaborative home and school early intervention program designed for kindergartners who show signs of emerging antisocial behavior. Two sets of 5-year-old male twins were the subjects of the 4-year studies. Exposure to the First Step program produced powerful behavior changes that were…

AIDS is a genuine concern for young schoolchildren, as a significant number begin having unprotected sex before completing elementary school. The most effective sex-education programs stress delaying the age of first intercourse and adopting safe sexual practices. Principals' supportive behaviors and prevention education tips are discussed. (MLH)

This article traces the development of federal involvement in early childhood education and intervention. It discusses the influences of the Head Start Program, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, court decisions that clarified the right of all children to equal education opportunities, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.…

Describes a mathematics early intervention program that involves faculty development to help teachers identify, then assist, first graders at risk of mathematics failure. The program incorporates tools and learning activities based on recent research about children's early numerical learning. The course highlights the benefits of clinical…

While focusing on the urban context, this article reviews research regarding the family and peer contexts of risk for antisocial behavior and school failure as well as recent empirical evidence supporting strategies for intervention. Early intervention, family interventions, and school environments that discourage aggression are urged. (Contains…

Proposes a developmental model for early intervention focused on cognitive development. The model addresses short- and long-term effects of early intervention, the mechanisms through which early intervention operates, the relationship between those mechanisms and the organization of existing service systems, current limits of programs, and…

Rural outreach workers delivered a stress prevention and early intervention education on a one-on-one basis to strengthen families and communities over 6-9 weeks. Pre/posttest data from 934 cases revealed that the program benefited participants in the areas of decision making, communication, financial management, parenting, family relationships,…

Used the philosophy of Matthew Lipman as the basis for a discussion-group intervention to improve peer relationships, increase children's self-understanding, enhance their respect for others, and improve critical thinking in 3- to 6-year olds. Found that children improved in their understanding that others have opinions and in their ability to…

Identifies the diverse array of resources being used by states to finance early intervention services. Strategies for addressing issues that arise when combining resources are discussed, including identifying which funding source is first or last payer, the use of family resources, determination of medical necessity, and service coordination.…

Describes the development and use of a self-rating instrument that measures professional knowledge and skills in early intervention. Master's degree students in four early intervention preservice training programs at the University of Oregon completed the instrument approximately once each quarter throughout their preservice training program.…

Discusses the exceptional challenges that abused and neglected children may pose for early-intervention providers, particularly speech-language pathologists. It focuses on practical strategies regarding reporting child abuse, effectively assessing the children who have been abused, and managing the bizarre behavior they may exhibit. (Author/CR)

Reviews the multiple needs of infants and young children affected by HIV/AIDS and the compromising psychosocial factors that frequently accompany HIV/AIDS. Implications of these psychosocial medical variables for programming is presented within a systems framework and illustrated in a description of a pediatric AIDS program in New Orleans.…

Examined cognitive and academic test scores in follow-up of 104 of 111 original participants in Abecedarian Project. Found that project children attained higher scores on both cognitive and academic tests, with moderate to large treatment effect sizes observed through age 21. Preschool cognitive gains accounted for a substantial portion of…

A study examined beliefs about language acquisition among seven Spanish-speaking Mexican American mothers with young children (24-37 months) receiving early intervention services for language disabilities. Emerging themes included mothers'"alternative" explanations for children's communication difficulties, mothers' efforts to help…

A study involving 44 New Jersey early intervention programs estimated the cost of services. Variables affecting cost were: types of staff providing services, time allocations of providers, services setting and type, wage rates, and staff-child ratio. A fee-for-service system is discussed as a way to increase incentives for efficiency. (Contains…