Social and emotional learning (SEL) is inherently relational, shaped by the interactions children have within their homes, schools, and communities. Grounded in ecological systems theory, this chapter explores how family-school-community partnerships can serve as a powerful mechanism for promoting SEL and fostering positive developmental outcomes.…

The first six to eight years of a child's life, known as early childhood, have been globally acknowledged to be the most critical years for life-long development of children, when the pace of development is extremely rapid. Early experiences at home, in communities, and at other care settings play a crucial role in brain architecture development…

Early childhood care and education (ECCE) is commonly understood in Malaysia as providing care and education for young children from the age of newborn until about six years old, before they enter formal elementary education. Various curriculum and teaching approaches were developed to enhance children's learning experiences based on their needs,…

Despite the wealth of evidence that early learning opportunities are crucial for young children in crisis, little evidence shows a commensurate commitment to early childhood development (ECD) provision in refugee and humanitarian programming. The Kyaka II refugee settlement in Uganda is a case in point. Home to over 125,000 Congolese refugees,…

In Paraguay conditions for rural children living in poverty are often difficult. At least 14% of children age 5 years and younger show moderate to severe physical stunting (UNICEF 2009). More than half of the children in primary school have repeated at least one grade by the time they complete the sixth grade. Rural families living in poverty, who…

Making Connections was the Annie E. Casey Foundation's signature place-based, community-change initiative of the 2000s. It sought to build on previous work and launch an effort focused firmly on the framework of family strengthening. The Foundation started Making Connections in 22 places, focusing eventually on first 10, then seven sites. It…

The steps to building a community playground are discussed. These steps include planning, materials and services needed, and the involvement of parents, teachers, and administrators as well as the children themselves. Pictures illustrate the text. (DB)

This paper explores a community project to develop "storysacks" within an area of identified economic and social need. (Storysacks are books sent home for preschool children in England to share with their parents on a regular basis; each sack contains a fiction book, a nonfiction book linked to the story, and a wide variety of props…

This document is a description of Follow Through, a research and development program for disadvantaged children of low-income families that fosters projects around the country emphasizing parental and community involvement. The paper indicates that each project must be comprehensive in scope and directly focus on all aspects of child learning and…

Home Start II of the Waterloo Community Schools, Iowa, is a program that attempts to remedy developmental lag in underprivileged preschool children by a multi-faceted approach. The program is described as to context, activities, staff, distinctive features, and equipment and material. Discussions are given of community involvement, costs, and…

This article, excerpted from the epilogue to the book "Project Head Start" edited by E. Zigler and J. Valentine, provides a brief overview of the impetus, goals, problems, and accomplishments of Head Start. (DB)

The results of parent and community involvement in early childhood education in a curriculum of caring are commented on in relation to Urie Bronfenbrenner's remarks about family and society. (JMF)

PROJECT GOALS INCLUDED CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT IN PROGRAMS FOR NEIGHBORHOOD AND COMMUNITY BETTERMENT AND THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH AND ADULTS. EMPHASIS WAS PLACED ON INVOLVING MINORITY GROUP PARENTS TO A DEGREE NEVER BEFORE ATTEMPTED. ADULT EDUCATION CLASSES AND PARENT DISCUSSION AND ACTIVITY GROUPS…

Describes a comprehensive Early Childhood Services program recently introduced in the educational system of Canada's Alberta Province. The aims of this program are to foster child development, parent participation, and community involvement. Health and hygiene services are incorporated in the program along with social welfare and educational…

Parents are one of the most important influences in positive child and youth development, yet too many caregivers, especially those in higher risk families, fail to receive supports that would improve parenting and family functioning. By strengthening parent/caregivers and their connections to resources, communities can improve child and youth…