Rasch calibration procedures were applied to item-response data for the 1,262 infants and toddlers comprising the standardization sample for the Mental Scale of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development. Analyses tend to confirm the psychometric integrity of the instrument. (Author)

Maintains that infants and toddlers, parents, and child caregivers are vulnerable to a variety of infectious diseases from infant-toddler child care centers. These diseases include infectious diarrhea; rubella; cytomeglovirus; hepatitis A, and haemophilus influenza type B. Suggests ways to prevent the spread of such diseases. (BB)

Describes programs for low-income families in Appalachia, including the Parents and Children Together program, which provides preschool lessons in a converted bread truck; the Christian Appalachian Project's infant stimulation program; and Sand Gap Elementary School's family resource center, offering a variety of parent education and child care…

Discusses the salience of father-infant rough play in some countries and presents data on the physical play interactions of 34 Indian mothers and fathers with their 1 year olds. The data suggest that fathers do not have a greater propensity than mothers for rough play and that rough play may be culture specific. (Author/LB)

Describes the development and use of the Middle Infant Screening Test. Isolates factors which directly relate to children's progress in early reading and writing development. (RS)

This article compares and contrasts provisions for procedural safeguards and due process hearings under 2 sections of Public Law 99-457: Part B, dealing with children ages 3-5, and Part H, dealing with infants and toddlers. Potential problems under Part H are pointed out and suggestions are made for implementing Part H safeguards without conflict.…

All 14 children in a Mayan sample slept in their mothers' beds into toddlerhood, whereas none of the 18 children in a U.S. sample slept in their mothers' beds on a regular basis. Mayan and U.S. parents' explanations for these practices are reported. (BC)

Mothers and fathers were interviewed when their child was 3 months old and observed in the Strange Situation when their infant was 12 months old. Infants' security of attachment was predicted by the quality of interaction with parents and by the amount of time parents spent with the infant. (BC)

Discusses the work of Susan Isaacs on assessing and recording the progress of infant school children in Britain between 1934 and 1936. Compares Isaacs' approach to that advocated in a 1992 book on assessment in early childhood education edited by Blenkin and Kelly. Concludes that Isaacs' work still has a contribution to make to educational…

Reviews research into the effects of various child care environments on the emotional and intellectual well-being of children. Examines factors of early education group settings that could facilitate a positive learning and emotional climate without detriment to infant-mother attachment. Suggests measures at the home, day-care, and public policy…

Case files (n=284) from a social services agency and juvenile court were reviewed to investigate how cases involving drug-exposed infants were processed. Data showed an overrepresentation of African American and Hispanic cases and underrepresentation of Caucasian and Asian cases. About 80% of children were removed from the mother; about one-third…

Reviews research on infants classified by Ainsworth's "Strange Situation" assessment as insecure/ambivalent, and examines studies exploring attachment theory beyond infancy. Presents a theoretical discussion of the ways in which patterns of mother and child behaviors associated with the insecure/ambivalent pattern may work together to…

Findings suggest that social difficulties that are present as late as three years of age in some low-birthweight children are related to the type and severity of early medical complications. In spite of severe neonatal medical risk, high-risk and low-birthweight children showed many similarities in their social development to low-risk and…

Infants of five, seven, and nine months were shown two video images on monitors placed side by side. Images were accompanied by a soundtrack that matched one of the images. Results indicated that age-related changes in infants' coordination of auditory and visual depth information took place between the ages of five and nine months. (SH)

Six articles examine the challenges to physical education provided by Public Law 99-457 which promotes services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their parents. The articles describe the law, critical components of the Individualized Family Service Plan, adapted physical education, and the impact on one school district. (SM)