Family literacy refers to parents and their children using literacy together at home. They participate in literacy experiences in a natural way during their daily routines. Studies on family literacy show its impact on the children's literacy development. For more than five decades, family literacy studies have demonstrated the importance of the…

The strengths and abilities children develop from infancy through adolescence are crucial for their physical, emotional, and cognitive growth, which in turn help them to achieve success in school and to become responsible, economically self-sufficient, and healthy adults. Capable, responsible, and healthy adults are clearly the foundation of a…

Nationally, families of color--particularly African American and American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN)--are over-represented in child welfare systems. These families also tend to have worse outcomes--such as children more likely to be removed from their homes, less likely to receive family preservation services, and in the case of African…

This editorial looks at the special support needs of parents with learning difficulties in Britain in the context of the new Adoption and Children Bill, which encourages and speeds adoption. The bill is seen as a major threat to families headed by a parent with learning difficulties. It urges greater attention to providing the known and effective…

This is the third document in the Education and Human Resources Consortium's Series on Collaboration. Initiated in 1988, the Consortium is a loosely-knit coalition of 24 national organizations whose shared goal is for more responsive delivery of education and human services to children and families. This Series is designed to bring resources that…

The current status of and future prospects for the nation's children and their families are discussed in this progress report by the director of the Office of Child Development. Successes of the Head Start program are noted, with particular mention of the parent involvement component. Other early intervention programs are cited, many of which…

Family issues are an abiding concern for members of the profession of early education, and debate regarding government policies about families and child care continues to be timely. This volume provides a foundation for understanding programs, families, and the current social context, as well as particular areas of concern for families and child…