This report provides an overview of the research program of the Human Learning and Behavior Branch of the U.S. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHHD) and highlights progress made from 1985 through 1987. The Branch, one of five that together comprise the Center for Research for Mothers and Children of NICHHD, was…

This book takes an interdisciplinary approach in discussing the issue of homeless children and the resolution of the problem. An introduction by Nancy A. Boxill presents background on the nature of the problem and summarizes the subsequent papers. "Home and Homelessness in the Lives of Children" by Leanne G. Rivlin analyzes the impact on children…

This brief describes the findings of a consortium on indoor air quality (IAQ) in educational facilities held in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The objective was to determine the impact floorcoverings have on indoor air quality in schools relative to maintenance, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), airborne contaminants, moisture, surface contaminants, and…

The Minnesota Department of Health developed this guidance at the request of the Minnesota Department of Children, Families and Learning. The goal of the document is to assist school district staff of Minnesota public schools in responding to problems related to indoor mold. Its focus is on practical, cost-effective methods to identify indoor mold…

Polyvinyl chloride (vinyl or PVC) is a substance widely used in children's products. Because children in contact with these products may ingest substantial quantities of potentially harmful chemicals during normal play, especially when they chew on the product, this Greenpeace study examined the levels of lead and cadmium in a variety of consumer…

Otitis media with effusion and its related hearing loss have been associated with delayed language development, particularly if the disease is recurrent or of long duration, although available data are insufficient to establish a causal linkage. This guide presents recommendations based on extensive reviews of the relevant medical and…

Ideally, playgrounds should encourage development of gross and fine motor skills and present a stimulating play environment that provides children with manageable challenges. In order to provide these challenges, a balance must be found between risk and safety. Over the last few years there has been an increased interest in the use of soft…

The Foundation for Child Development (FCD) is the oldest philanthropy in the nation focused on improving the life prospects of children. This booklet, produced for FCD's centennial, describes the organization's origins and changes during the past 100 years. The booklet's sections, which include photographs, quotes, and a timeline, are: (1)…

This report describes The Children's Partnership, which investigates what children need most from their communities and how to provide it. The report presents a snapshot of children in America in 1900 and 2000, noting policy milestones that changed America and its families and discussing progress which has benefited most American children but has…

States originally had until September 30, 2000 to spend their first year of funds under the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) or else lose any unspent funds. Funds remaining unused after 3 years were to be reallocated to states that had spent their SCHIP funds before the deadline. Only 12 states met the deadline, with many states…

This video illustrates one of the key components of the Environmental Protection Agency's "Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools" (IAQ TfS) process--the school walkthrough. Videotaped at a North Carolina school built in 1999, hosts Keith Flippen and Debra Terry describe what schools in Nebraska, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Iowa found…

Notes changes in eating patterns, such as increase in between-meal snacks and eating away from home or carry-out food. Describes a survey of eating habits of 1- to 19-year olds, which found that most children did not adhere to the food-intake guidelines of the USDA food pyramid. (HTH)

Muses about the growing number of "special problem" books--books about children who are asthmatic, diabetic, or have AIDS, etc. Recounts the circumstances of the author's childhood as a diabetic. Concludes that adults sometimes work too hard at trying to make life fair for children. (PA)

Summarizes the epidemiology of AIDS in children in the United States reported cumulatively from 1982 through September 1996, presenting rates for 1995, and discussing HIV surveillance and reporting for children. The data show that the incidence of perinatally acquired AIDS has declined, a trend that probably reflects the effect of perinatal ZDV…

Notes the overuse of antibiotics and the resulting resistant bacterial strains. Describes how to control and prevent staphylococcal infections specifically, and almost all infectious diseases generally. Specific sections address: (1) what are staph infections; (2) preventing staph infections; (3) caring for wounds; and (4) controlling staph…