Describes a program for parents and preschool teachers that has produced positive results in emergent reading behaviors in young children with developmental disabilities. Essential program elements include parents as literacy role models, frequent and regular exploration of print, interactions with adults in reading situations, and family…

This manual is intended to facilitate the integration of children with mental handicaps into child care centers in Canada and elsewhere. The first chapter looks at the background of integration in early childhood child care programs in Canada and identifies concerns of parents. The second chapter explores the practice of labelling children with…

Guidelines for assessing the current language skills of a language-delayed child and increasing the child's level of communicative competence are provided, based on experience at the Environmental Language Intervention Project at Macquarie University's Special Education Centre in Australia. The program is organized around five sequentially ordered…

Noting recent research showing the considerable benefit in having carefully structured systems for parental involvement in reading, this book presents a review of past and current successful practices in this field. The chapters in the first part of the book discuss the context of international trends in parents' involvement in their children's…

This book developed as an outgrowth of a two-year study of 300 children discovered during preschool or kindergarten to be advanced in their mathematical thinking. Among other findings, the study revealed that the children tended to remain advanced in math over the two-year period, that their spatial reasoning related more closely to their math…

Four issues of this periodical of the California Association for the Gifted focus on: (1) issues in gifted education; (2) professional development; (3) history and social science for gifted learners; and (4) equity and excellence. Among major articles are the following: "Profoundly Gifted Guilt" (James R. Delisle); "Grouping the…

This report summarizes the findings and recommendations from the Children's Policy Project, which examined the child welfare system in Illinois. The report: (1) outlines the project's findings about the difficulties faced by existing child welfare services; (2) proposes ways to improve existing arrangements; (3) examines the fundamental problems…

These three videotape recordings focus on provision of inclusive, family-centered programs for children with disabilities, birth through age 8. The first video is 14 minutes long and is titled "ICC Parents Share Their Stories." In it, four parents who serve on state interagency coordinating councils (ICCs) for early intervention share…

One of the best guarantees of a child's success in school is his or her parents' involvement in education. This resource guide provides information in the following areas: (1) family types; (2) expectations of parents, teachers, and administrators; (3) barriers encountered by parents and teachers; (4) home environment improvements through family…

The purpose of this paper is to provide information about the current status of available programs, research findings related to quality programs, and issues surrounding programs for 4-year-old children. The paper is intended as a resource for multiple audiences, including decision makers, legislators, regulatory administrators, advocates,…

With much to offer rural girls as well as much to learn from them, Girl Scouting is trying to reach more girls and adults in rural areas. The challenges include economic setbacks for farming, unemployment, isolated populations, and changing rural culture. Along with the challenges are the many resources of rural areas and the congruence between…

This handbook focuses on the distinguishing characteristics, variations, advantages, and disadvantages of family day care services. Following a brief description of family day care, the following three sections provide specific information for parents, caregivers, and agencies: (1) "What Parents Should Look for in Selecting a Family Day Care Home…

Intended for Oklahoma school administrators, teachers, and parents, the guidelines examine factors in educating mildly and moderately mentally retarded students. General information is first presented on such topics as definitions, facilities, scheduling, mainstreaming, teacher role, teaching strategies, learning centers, discipline, grading and…

Wisconsin's Department of Public Instruction, in collaboration with Wisconsin citizens, developed academic standards in 12 curricular areas. The dance education standards go beyond emphasizing mastery of individual student areas--they weave five essential characteristics of literate individuals throughout: application of the basics, ability to…

This article describes the characteristics of before- and after-school child care programs and deliniates the features needed to accommodate children with special needs. Potential ways to adapt current programs to fill this need and suggestions for design of future programs are discussed. Characteristics of effective programs are reviewed. (PB)