Outlines a model for a contextual approach to preschool curriculum, considering its three main constructs: a child-centered approach, recognition of the interactions within the child's environment, and the provision of an active growth environment. Describes the influence of the child's social context, comprised of parents and teachers, on early…

Discusses an 18-month effort by Homes for Black Children and the Wayne County (Detroit) Department of Social Services to train child welfare workers concerning the extended kinship network of the African-American family; the role of African-American men in the family and child welfare; and African-American child rearing methods, language and…

Examined the relationship between fathers' parental stress and their perceived sense of competence in parenting roles. Regression analyses of data from 94 fathers suggest that fathers' depression in their parental role and perceptions of their children's demandingness are the best predictors of their perceived parental competence. (Author/TE)

Examined attitudes of 20 divorced mothers about becoming their families' breadwinners. Attitudes toward breadwinning varied according to 3 marital history types: segregated, modified-segregated, and primarily wife-shaped. Findings showed that mothers from segregated marriages had the greatest difficulty accepting the breadwinner role. (TE)

Describes a Missouri-based program, Parents as Teachers (PAT), in which professionals work with parents to develop literacy activities in the home. Discusses a new adaptation of the original PAT program, its observed effects, and implications for schools. (MG)

Includes an overview of perceived cultural changes in the role of fathers, the changing nature of parent education and family support programs, a theoretical perspective of paternal involvement, and strategies for home economists in family life and parent education programs. (SK)

Investigated relationship between perceived parental sexual communicator style and adolescent sexual behavior and information accuracy. College students (N=234) provided such information across three time frames (junior high school, high school, college). Found significant relationships between perceived parental sexual communicator styles and…

Discusses how large hollow blocks can meet many preschool children's learning needs through creative dramatic play, and also gives some guidelines on how these blocks can be constructed by parents and teachers. (BB)

Compares family life, child rearing, and education in the Soviet Union and the United States in the 1980s. (PCB)

Summarizes research results of the benefits of parental involvement. Provides suggestions for service in schools, home-school relationships, and support of home-learning activities. (16 references) (YP)

The economic efficiency of alternative types of intervention was investigated with language-impaired preschool children. Forty children were assigned to one of four groups: home-based intervention, center-based intervention, both center- and home-based intervention, and no treatment. The home-based program was more economically efficient based on…

Describes and evaluates a program based on Paired Reading. Reports that the program increased parents' involvement, while boosting childrens' reading ability and attitude toward reading. (NH)

Traces the history of the early reading movement in Italy and relates the experiences of parent-guided reading with preschool children and teacher-guided reading with kindergarten children. Recent studies on early reading and research in the area of early bilingual reading is discussed. (CFM)

Fourteen brief articles provide information about health threats to children, covering alcohol and drug abuse, nutrition, arthritis, Lyme Disease, Reye's Syndrome, school bus safety, inner ear disorders, dental health, and toy safety. (CB)

Describes research on nurturance, focusing on one study of children aged two through six and their interactions with a baby. Boys were found to be as nurturing as girls, but in different ways. Describes a parent survey indicating that girls spent more time than boys playing with and caring for babies. Notes the societal influences on children's…