Reviews significant recent research and information related to the beginning period of human life, and specifically discusses the developing fetus and infant, and the surrounding environment in which the infant is born and reared. Suggestions for prevention of mental-health problems are offered. (Author/DB)

Interviews with 16 Taiwanese mothers of babies with Down syndrome found the mothers believed cognitive development was the most important benefit from parent-child interaction. Compared to other mothers, they placed relatively more emphasis on cognitive and physical benefits and outcomes of parent-child interactions than on social and academic…

Addresses importance of planned motor skill development, providing specific guidelines for adults working with three-, four-, and five-year olds. Describes the influence of motor development on cognitive, language, emotional, and social development. Suggests using verbal feedback, visual assistance, and demonstration for teaching motor skills.…

Addresses intergenerational risk factors affecting individual growth. Discusses how risk factors occurring during a mother's own developmental history can affect the postnatal environment, and how an intergenerational approach can aid in understanding cognitive development. (Author/SD)

The use of assisted reproductive technology is increasing rapidly. Research, although sparse, has resulted in inconsistent findings as to the developmental prognosis for infants conceived by assisted reproductive techniques such as in vitro fertilization and the use of fertility drugs. In the present study, the authors compared twins who were…

The early years of school provide opportunities for active learning, including developing habits of resiliency and perceptions of self-worth. Girls in particular may be at risk for developing negative self-perceptions. This article presents a pilot group (psychoeducational and counseling) designed to educate members about pre-adolescent…

Young children's views are heard rarely in public debates and are often subordinated to adults' views. This article examines how early childhood staff could support and enhance young children's participation in public decision making. We argue that when early childhood staff use their expertise in young children's physical, social and cognitive…

This study investigated the perceptions of kindergarten teachers and Project Head Start teachers on how well Head Start students are prepared emotionally, socially, intellectually, and physically for kindergarten. The sample included 12 kindergarten teachers and 12 Head Start teachers in a county school system located in northeast Tennessee. The…

EIGHT READING READINESS FACTORS WERE EXAMINED WITH REGARD TO THEIR IMPORTANCE AS PERCEIVED BY MALE AND FEMALE TEACHERS WITH ELEMENTARY EXPERIENCE (ELEM), SECONDARY EXPERIENCE (NOELEM), AND NO EXPERIENCE (NOTEACH). EACH OF THE GROUPS WAS ABLE TO RANK THE FACTORS WITH SOME SIGNIFICANT CONSISTENCY, ALTHOUGH WITHIN-GROUP VARIATION WAS LARGE. HIGH…

One of a series of books written by physicians for their patients, this publication discusses the parents' role in helping the young child learn before formal education begins. Detailed discussions center on such subjects as teaching a child when he's ready to learn; helping a child's curiosity grow; choosing toys which encourage exploration;…

This is one of several papers written to provide a rationale for programs of the new National Institute of Education (NIE). The basic elements of the rationale for each proposed NIE program and the sequence in which they will be discussed are: (1) educational goals to be achieved, (2) variables that can be manipulated to reach the goals, (3)…

Discussed is the parents' role in providing training procedures to meet the developmental needs of blind infants. (Author/LS)

To understand the meaning of a teenager's behavior, it is necessary to have an overall understanding of psychological development. (MM)

The present study was designed to assess the preschool's contribution to the social, physical, and cognitive development of children in a normal, upper-middle socioeconomic level community. (BD)

Distributed by the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Education, and Health and Human Services, this pamphlet provides parents with information and advice about their infants in the tenth month of life. Following a brief description of developmental characteristics at this age, the pamphlet offers advice on a variety of topics, including: guarding…