The rate of early childhood overweight and obesity in the United States has increased significantly over the last 30 years. The psychosocial risks of potential stigmatization and discrimination in an overweight child can cause low-esteem and/or reduced school performance. Overweight and obese children also face the increased health risks…

Describes the goals and service components of Educare, a collaborative community project in southeast Missouri since 1995, to enhance school readiness of children from birth to 3 years from low-income families. Discusses working with families, community agencies and local services, and early childhood professionals. Also explores…

Participation in the natural settings of home and community is one of four major goals for families receiving Part C early intervention services. While participation has been formally recognized as an important service-related outcome, there is a need to build knowledge about its key features to adequately apply the concept in practice. The need…

This pamphlet discusses strategies for reducing baby bottle tooth decay (BBTD) among Native American children. BBTD in infants and toddlers is a painful disease characterized by extensive decay of the upper front and side teeth. It is caused by prolonged exposure of teeth to carbohydrates, such as those contained in infant formula, milk, and fruit…

This article discusses the outcomes of a project that used a community development framework to implement change in early care and intervention services in two culturally diverse communities. It describes how community forums and parent leadership training assisted in change efforts and lessons learned from implementation and evaluating reforms.…

This paper discusses ways in which communities can enhance a family's ability to foster learning in the first 3 years of their child's life so that the child will be academically, emotionally, and socially competent in the transition to preschool and school. The paper focuses on model community-based programs that serve high risk families with…