This final report of Project Prepare, a federally funded program at the University of Tennessee, describes the critical features and specific goals of the project, as well as program evaluation methods and results. The program was funded to develop a personnel preparation program for early childhood specialists that emphasized an…

The Jump Start program is a preschool program serving about 4,000 four-year-olds in a partnership including Head Start, Even Start, a tuition-based program, and the Kentucky preschool program mandated by the Kentucky Educational Reform Act (KERA). This study compared the family of Jump Start programs and a comparison group on student academic…

School policymakers are beginning to understand that a considerable amount of resources are expended on student support services and various education support programs. These resources are allocated because of the widespread awareness that more is needed than the typical teacher can provide if some students are to succeed at school. At the same…

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…

Even Start programs integrate early childhood education, adult literacy or basic education, parenting education and support, and parent and child time to help break the cycle of poverty and illiteracy. This report describes the Even Start program in Colorado, and includes evaluation questions and methods. The report presents evaluation findings…

This study examined factors affecting academic achievement of at-risk minority students to evaluate intervention strategies designed to assist such students. Data were obtained on 2,386 first-time college students entering Prince George's Community College (Maryland) in fall 1990. Factor analysis identified 10 variables that explained a…

For children with disabilities, children at risk, and even for healthy infants and toddlers born into well-functioning families, support and early intervention can foster optimal growth and development. Based upon the underlying principle that the most effective interventions incorporate flexible, client-centered approaches with the client-service…

Three case studies describe intervention with infants/toddlers who were exposed to methadone in utero. Intervention included providing therapeutic nursery services and addressing developmental and mental health needs of the children and the high-risk family systems, including parents' knowledge of child development and parents' emotional support…

Provides tips for children's advocates to assure that managed mental health care is implemented in a manner which best meets the needs of children, families, and care providers. Explains managed care through specialized mental health and substance abuse services. Discusses elements necessary for early intervention and the need to address risk…

Ethnographic methodology was used to explore the development of self-management skills in an 18-year-old woman with Down Syndrome. Triangulation of data types and the constant comparative method of data analysis were employed. Outcomes suggested the individual's family culture had a large impact on development of self-monitoring and that early and…

Presents an integrative model of family development in cultural context as a framework for supporting the optimal development of Latino children and families. Describes two prevention and early intervention programs for Latino parents and children that work from a multidimensional, risk-reduction, and resource-enhancement approach, and focus on…

This article describes the SCERTS Model, which prioritizes social communication, emotional regulation, and transactional support as the primary developmental dimensions that programs supporting young children with autistic spectrum disorders must address. The SCERTS Model has been derived from theoretical and empirical bases, is consistent with…

A study investigated the multiyear effects of evidence-based literacy practices and a program to prevent early reading failure in one elementary school. Results indicate teachers did implement new evidence-based practices, use of these practices resulted in increases in silent reading, and growth in reading fluency was substantial overall.…

Describes how the Michigan City Area Schools adopted a consultation model for identifying preschoolers with disabilities. Under the model, when teachers observe children with learning or behavior problems, they refer them to school counselors. It is then determined if they would benefit from the model's collaborative, multidisciplinary team…

Describes the Charlottesville (Virginia) Volunteer Tutorial, a one-on-one tutorial program that promotes the literacy development of young children and involves a wide range of community volunteers. Suggests that the program offers one model of an affordable, alternative form of early intervention. (SR)