Examines the special characteristics of adolescent parents and reviews a series of field-tested, hands-on parent education workshops for them. Suggests that recognizing the adolescent needs of very young parents and building a parent education program based on concrete, playful experiences with plentiful opportunities to interact with peers appear…

This study examined communicative expressions used by and interactions between 10 blind infants (less than a year old) and their mothers. The videotaped observations suggested that sighted mothers need special educational and psychological support. The recordings, when replayed to mothers, provided them with useful feedback. (DB)

Discusses Head Start's historical focus on the needs of children in the context of the family and community. Describes a five-step approach to developing a two-generation Head Start program strategy and research agenda. (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…

In a survey of 367 mothers and fathers of young children with special needs, parents revealed their need for information in the areas of child development, demands of parenting, community resources, futures planning, and children's legal rights. Preferred sources for information varied according to topic and parents' educational level. (Author/JDD)

This study evaluated the effects of a home-based parent training program on the language development of young children of 28 mothers with mental retardation. Interaction training consisted of verbal instruction, modeling, feedback, and tangible reinforcement. After training, parent/child interaction scores were no longer lower than those of a…

Mothers of seven preschool children with developmental delays were trained to encourage child participation in social interaction by being highly responsive and child-centered. Following intervention, mother-child dyads experienced more episodes of joint engagement and increased total duration of joint engagement than control dyads. Changes in…

Twenty parents whose handicapped children were receiving early intervention services were encouraged to participate in formal education and training on individualized family service planning (IFSP). A significantly greater number of present level of development statements were included in IFSP documents of participating parents. Increased numbers…

Notes that increased emphasis on early intervention has created opportunities for greater involvement by counselors at prekindergarten level. Sees preparation for this role as requiring strong background in early childhood development and family systems orientation to intervention. Contends that professional perspective that counselor brings to…

Five hearing parents who spoke and signed SEE-2 (Signing Exact English) to their hearing-impaired children (ages 3-4) were observed, given feedback on their communication abilities, and observed again following a retention period. All parents showed improvement, and three parents changed impressively in form, content, and use of this form of…

Compares three treatment modalities for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) including stimulant treatments, primarily methylphenidate; behavioral treatments, including contingency management and parent training; and cognitive-behavioral or self-regulation therapies. Discusses methodological quandaries, constricted focus, and…

Describes the Parent Observation System, a recent effort to provide help for resistant parents. This effort attempts to get specific parents into a more active involvement in their child's education and thus reduce the parent's resistance to school personnel services. Parent observation forms and related materials are appended. (NB)

Reviews problems of crack-addicted babies. Suggests the following areas for grant support: (1) results of fetal exposure; (2) medical treatment and foster care for newborns; (3) research on behavioral changes resulting from crack use; (4) public awareness materials; (5) education for addicted mothers who keep their babies; and (6) removing babies…

This article addresses the organization of structured support groups for parents of children with learning disabilities or at risk for school failure. It describes a successful format for such meetings and presents evaluation data collected over a four-year period. The evaluation data also provide information that can assist in topic choice. (DB)

Evaluated a multimedia project to increase self-esteem of parents of inner-city primary school children in Hartlepool, England, to increase their understanding of the preschool curriculum, and to involve them in their child's school life. Found that the project fulfilled its objectives and yielded unexpected positive outcomes, including further…