To make Head Start studies more accessible and to inform concerned audiences about major findings in the research, this volume provides a review of 124 Head Start studies published since 1970 and presents an annotated bibliography containing 1,448 entries on Head Start research undertaken since 1965. The literature review summarizes findings…

The value and function of play behavior in young children, and the process and conditions by which play contributes to learning, cognition and problem solving, are explored in this literature review. The first section examines early theories of play, the psychoanalytic theory of play, and the developmental stages of play. Common elements of play…

This study, part of a naturalistic longitudinal study of infants being reared in a variety of family life styles, attempted to establish the extent to which differing parenting patterns affected early developmental outcomes. Subjects were 200 infants: 50 of single mothers who headed their family units, 50 of mothers in communal living groups, and…

Reported were the results of a project which established a cluster of family day care homes in Hawaii in which caregivers were selected, trained, and provided with supportive services and salaries. The primary objective of the program was to provide a replicable, high quality program for preschool children that would maximize social, emotional,…

This illustrated booklet on infant growth and development from 3 to 6 months of age is part of a self-instructional curriculum on parenting and child development for school-age mothers. Physical, motor, and social-emotional development of the infant are discussed, with emphasis on possible individual differences in babies. The emotional and social…

This manual describes an early childhood education program for 200 children, ages 4 and 5, based on community needs and designed to prepare children for entry into a non-graded elementary instructional program. Following an overview of the program and a rationale for preschool education, various aspects of the preschool operations are reviewed,…

Discusses early experiences of children with literature, and the development of and growth in their response to literature. Argues for a response-centered, rather than criticism-centered, curriculum. (SRT)

With over half the nation's infants and toddlers in regular, non-parental child care, the quality of that care is a priority concern for policymakers. Many studies show that high-quality child care supports the positive social, emotional, and cognitive development of young children. The research summarized in this policy brief identifies factors…

Compared neighborhood variables, based on census data, to child outcomes for 5- and 6-year olds. Found that neighborhood structural aspects were associated with child development; neighborhood factors played a role in cognitive and socioemotional outcomes; and higher neighborhood SES and racial homogeneity were related to children's higher…

Discusses the impact of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) on the developmental processes of infants. Excerpts from three case histories are presented to highlight physical, socio-emotional, and cognitive impairment in infants. (Author/BB)

Maintains that the strength of Bronson's book lies in its synthesis and connections to the major ideas in both developmental and educational psychology. Notes that the book's predictable organization makes it a handy resource for professionals working with children from birth to age 8, but suggests that the depth of knowledge displayed raises…

The purpose of this manual is to provide supplemental information and to serve as a general resource for practitioners involved in the developmental and educational assessment of young children. The first section focuses on the process of assessing young handicapped children and includes specific information on indicators of potential problems in…

The first part of this guide describes how kindergarten children learn and develop and how teachers can enhance children's intellectual, physical, and social development in the context of their activity in a prepared, play-based environment. Topics addressed include physical development, sensory awareness, motor skills, creative movement, skilled…

This research was designed to delineate the effects of the retention in grade process upon a child's academic, social, and emotional development. The primary purpose of the study was to identify characteristics of children who benefit from the retention process. The secondary purpose was to identify those factors from the retained year that…

The paper describes the Early Childhood Handicapped Program of Kenosha (WI). The program focuses on receptive and expressive language, fine and gross motor skills, self-help skills, cognitive skills, perceptual skills, and social/emotional skills development. For admission into the program, children must exhibit significant delays in two or more…