Discusses advances in the field of child language and three major findings in language development: (1) infant communication begins at birth; (2) warning signs of language delay are evident by age 2; and (3) the benefits of reading aloud to young children can be strengthened through parent education. (CR)

Describes the origins of the Assistants to Infancy Montessori program from 1947. Focuses on the role of Assistants in helping parents provide a beneficial environment for children during pregnancy and from birth to age three. (Author/KB)

Reviews theories of adult learning over the lifespan grounded in anthroposophy, the philosophy of Rudolf Steiner's Waldorf Schools. Examines parenting as a vocation through this perspective and the implications for the learning needs of parents. (Contains 35 references.) (SK)

This article describes 21 parents' evaluation of a Web site intended to provide practical information about recommended practices such as activity-based or embedded instruction to families whose young children have disabilities or are at developmental risk. The parent group found the Web site, SPIES for Parents, to be helpful, useful, and…

This study investigated the effects of Braille instruction via interactive video-teleconferencing distance education on 12 South Dakota families and instructional assistants of students with visual impairments. Participants (and their children) were enthusiastic about the course and there was evidence of increased parental involvement in their…

Discussion of developmental disability and child welfare notes the relatively high numbers of children with disabilities receiving child welfare services and/or in foster homes. Suggested changes include training for prospective foster or adoptive parents, the new concept of the "foster to adopt" family, and more involvement of professionals in…

The desire of parents for self-improvement can often be met by adult education classes that focus on child rearing and family relationships. This kind of educational opportunity seems to be imminent in Portugal, where stability is emerging after years of political and economic unrest. (CB)

Investigated effects of parent education/play group program on types of involvement fathers (N=30) had with their children and their perceived sense of competence in parenting skills. Found significant program effects on treatment group fathers' (N=15) responsibility, forms of involvement, and their perceived sense of competence in parenting…

This article provides information to assist family educators in conducting ecobehavioral assessment and organizing the home caregiving environment. Nutrition, health and safety practices, the quality of toys, parent-infant interactions, and daily caregiving routines are presented as critical aspects for effective caregiving environments.…

A questionnaire was used to survey teachers in an attempt to determine whether there were characteristics particular to kindergarten teachers who strongly supported parent involvement in kindergarten programs. Findings suggest that there are such characteristics. (Author/BB)

Describes WCASA (Wilmington Cluster Against Substance Abuse) Families Matter! demonstration project designed to train low-income, urban, minority parents in family drug abuse prevention strategies. Discusses preliminary findings of project evaluation which show strong parent support for the project. (Author/CM)

Family support programs are examined from a preventive perspective which is designed to help families before they are in crisis. Family resource programs are discussed in terms of their history, principles, distinguishing characteristics, relevance for families with children who have special needs, and implications for practitioners. (Author/JDD)

The article describes the Parent and Child Tutoring (PACT) program in Adelaide, Australia, with children (ages 7 to 14) having severe reading, writing, spelling, mathematics, and attitudinal problems. Both parents attend group workshops and one parent participates in tutorial sessions. The program has been positively received by both parents and…

Parents' involvement in their children's education is imperative to the students' success. This article outlines a variety of ways in which school administrators can enhance the role of parents: good home-school communication, parents as teachers, parents as supporters of activities, parents as learners, and parents as advocates. (Author/TE)

Discusses techniques that teachers and parents can use to help young children cope with the birth of a new sibling and reduce fighting amongst siblings. Young children need to understand what is taking place, what is expected of them, and how they should interact with their brother or sister. (MDM)