The growth of the Dalton, Georgia, park and recreation system is attributable to a continuing spirit of harmony among elected officials, lay contributors, community groups, and professional recreation and park personnel. (SK)

Indoor recreational facilities in Fairfax County, Virginia, owe their success to (1) development of comprehensive plans, which take into account site location, community needs, area trends, and financing possibilities, and (2) use of continuous marketing strategies. The centers are self-supporting. Each offers a variety of recreation/sports…

Community advisory committees can enhance park and recreation departments that are determined to remain flexible and keep pace with constituents' needs. Nine guidelines for using these committees are given concerning selection of members, defining the committee role, conducting meetings, and preparing department staff to deal with committees. (PP)

Few programs in the field of recreation attempt to integrate older adults into recreational activities with younger age groups. The benefits accrued from this intergenerational approach include: (1) shared experiences which help combat stereotypical thinking; (2) learning an holistic approach to life; and (3) cooperation between youth-related and…

Too many U.S. children are out of shape. Parents must help them learn to improve their fitness by exercising with them. The U.S. Conference of Mayors recently made physical fitness of the nation's children a primary emphasis. A sidebar presents information on how to contact local mayors to start up programs to help children improve their fitness.…

Researchers from the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University prepared a case study of CODES (Community Outreach and Development Efforts Save). CODES is a coalition of 35 people and organizations in northern Manhattan committed to promoting safe streets, parks and schools. The case study analyzed the factors that prompted CODES'…

Proceedings are presented of a conference which addressed services to infants and young children with developmental delays and their families in rural areas. Contents include: results of a survey of 42 respondents regarding rural service delivery; excerpts from Magnolia Circle Outreach Project newsletters; views on problems identified by rural…

Information on the prevention of child maltreatment is provided, as well as methods and programs to respond to the maltreatment of children with disabilities, ages birth to 5 years. Challenges to providing effective service delivery are addressed, along with the family perspective and total family needs. Risk factors that affect family functioning…

This package of handbooks on the Far West Laboratory version of Experience-Based Career Education provides information on the distinctive features of the Far West model. Part 1 on management has four handbooks: program overview; administration (attendance, budget, insurance and liability, schedules, staff, troubleshooting and problem solving);…

This learning module is one of three training modules that were developed for members of the Texas Gerontological Consortium for Continuing Education to use in preparing case managers working in human service professions coordinating community-based programs for frail elderly Texans. Module III deals with the following topics: implementation (case…

This book examines the stereotypes and superficial categorizations of America's children in crisis, and discusses the nature of childhood disadvantage. Findings from interviews with children and professionals, and a reexamination of past and present research, reveal that most children at risk are not poor. The evidence suggests that factors such…

This paper presents a summary of early care and education policies for young children (ages 3-5) and then offers recommendations on how these efforts might be coordinated at the state and local levels. The policy summary is organized around the components of early care--child care, early childhood education, and early intervention for children at…

Policy planners can create improved systems of care and new support systems for rural families who are raising children with disabling conditions or special health care needs, by recognizing the unique needs of these families, the ecology of local service delivery systems, and the special resource requirements of rural areas. Lack of information…

This report summarizes recommendations for encouraging physical activity among young people so they will continue to engage in physical activity in adulthood and obtain the benefits of physical activity throughout life. The guidelines are based on an in-depth review of research, theory, and current practice in physical education, exercise science,…

This facilitator's guide explains how to lead a series of five sessions (study circles) designed to foster public dialogue and problem solving among citizens interested in meeting the challenges of community growth and development. The document begins with an introduction to the concept of study circles that examines the following: definition of…