Investigated developmental patterns of cognitive performance over first 3 years of life in sample of 762 low birthweight premature children. Intelligence test scores were obtained at 12, 24, and 36 months adjusted age. Five developmental patterns were identified. Results reveal patterns of cognitive development can be discriminated by three…

Describes the caretaking practices employed by the Peruvian Quechua mountain people, who swaddle infants in cloths and blankets (known as a manta pouch) to protect them from the harsh and frigid environment. The practices of 14 mother-infants pairs are examined in detail, and the benefits and drawbacks of the manta pouch are examined. (MDM)

To further understanding of temperament-interaction relationships, patterns of interactive behavior were observed in 30 lower-class mother-infant dyads (15 irritable and 15 nonirritable infants) at monthly intervals over a 6-month period. Findings revealed that maternal behavior was systematically more positive with nonirritable infants that with…

The development of object play was longitudinally examined in 40 children ages 11 to 27 months. The types of object play observed in nondisabled children were observed in children with disabilities at comparable developmental ages. Duration and frequency of active involvement with objects were greater for nondisabled children than for children…

For a sample of families consisting of a teen mother and her infant and parents, examined grandmothers' influence on their grandchild and grandparents' indirect effect on their grandchild through their influence on the teen mother's nurturance and perceptions of family support. Found that grandfathers had a direct effect on their grandchild, and…

Toddlers may bite as a reaction to being forced to be part of a group. Toddlers communicate in a physical manner but do not always connect the social consequences with their actions. By analyzing the circumstances surrounding a biting incident, teachers can redirect the child's energy and avoid a situation where biting might occur. (PAM)

Gathers information about children's reading habits against the background of the Standard Achievement Tests (SATs). Questions three children in each of four schools in England on their reading habits. Notes that few of the children associated reading with pleasure. Suggests that schools can never rival the potential of the home for encouraging…

This paper discusses early intervention issues that all members of the early intervention team should become familiar with, including epidemiology; who should provide intervention services; and the importance of early identification and caregiver involvement for the efficacy of intervention services. (JDD)

Discusses the complex issues involved in decision making concerning the treatment of catastrophically ill children. Through several examples of actual cases, posits that decisions should be arrived at by considering the child's best interests rather than the prolongation of life or principles of social utility. (MDM)

Emphasizes the role that motor development may play in determining developmental sequences in other domains, such as haptic or tactile perception and depth perception. Maintains that there is a high degree of fit between the developmental sequence in which certain perceptual sensitivities unfold and the ages at which the corresponding motor…

Adolescent pregnancy results from a combination of factors, including feelings of hopelessness, poor education, and the effects of racism. Its personal, social, and public costs must be understood and addressed. Reiterates findings that pregnancy prevention programs should be sensitive to the target group culture, include other family members, and…

Birth weight above and below 2,500 grams was compared with intellectual performance and school achievement at ages 10 and 13 for 874 students in a Swedish community. Results indicated that low birth weight girls, but not low birth weight boys, suffered in their school performance. (Author/JDD)

Sixteen parents were prompted to increase their interactions with health care providers during their children's health supervision visits. Compared to 16 controls, prompted parents initiated significantly more interactions with health care providers, and more health and behavioral topics were discussed during their appointments. (Author/JDD)

Cites research that supports a U.S. parental leave policy that includes job protection and wage replacement during childbirth. Issues dealt with in the literature include current U.S. child welfare legislation, international parental leave legislation, job continuity, reduced stress on the child welfare system, and prejudice against young mothers.…

Traditionally, our educational system ignores children until about age five, despite overwhelming research evidence about the importance of the first few years of life. Most early childhood researchers would agree that the Head Start program for preschoolers (except for the Perry Preschool Project) has not succeeded. Missouri's New Parents as…