Discusses problems homeless families encounter in educating their children. Covers public policy issues regarding homeless children, such as accessibility to schools, accessibility to day care, and support for individualized educational programs.(RJC)

Investigates three central findings in human malnutrition research: (1) behavioral changes in infants and young children are observable outcomes of malnutrition; (2) non-nutritional factors in the environment affect child development; (3) nutritional supplementation with a consistent and varied regimen of stimulation hold potential for reversing…

Describes the One to One program, which mobilizes communities to support mentoring, pioneers new mentoring approaches, and leverages resources by taking a business approach; leveraging support from diverse sectors; creating a partnership of catalysts; capitalizing on diversity; helping communities think and achieve big; reaching hard-to-reach…

The article introduces a special issue on health care for underserved populations, particularly racial and ethnic minorities, describing the emergence of the field of minority health, defining its parameters, and reviewing some of the strategies that will be important in improving the health status of underserved minority populations. (SM)

Addresses information-seeking behavior within an information-poor life style; examines knowledge gap theory and the role of interpersonal sources. Concludes that mass media do not respond to the needs of the poor. (AEF)

The development of 58 preterm low-risk infants was compared over their first 7 years with 100 full-term infants. The study found "catch up" phenomena at certain ages and periods of reversal. Results also indicated that advantaged family circumstances may reduce or compensate for preterm birth whereas a disadvantaged environment may amplify adverse…

Early Start is a center-based program for four-year-old children at risk of academic failure because of their home or community environment. The state-funded program successfully incorporated literacy activities into a supportive environment which informally encouraged practice with early reading and writing. (Author/JDD)

Discusses the rationale behind the Cleveland Collaborative for Mathematics Education, which networks urban high school math teachers with college math professors and mathematicians in business. Describes a typical teaching day for one high school teacher and how environmental challenges such as family abuse, student absenteeism, and lack of…

Traces how a principal reversed the downward spiral of his urban middle school by strengthening family, community, and business ties and creating a positive, challenging, and supportive school experience. The school is bolstered by business partnerships, a school-based management team, a parent liaison, and a high-risk student coordinator. (CJS)

Used data from the British Household Panel Survey to examine the relationship between income and deprivation. Found that, although income was a major determinant of deprivation, the two did not overlap entirely. Household structure accounted partly for the relatively weak relationship between income and deprivation. Children growing up with…

As part of a continuing debate on the effectiveness of educational interventions among disadvantaged groups, this article reports the results of an empirical study of 1,567 pupils from the first and sixth grades, attending 20 primary schools in disadvantaged areas of Montreal, Canada. Assesses the effects of using teachers as "resource…

Two hundred regular users of illegal drugs, aged 16-20, were recruited by peers in ten further education colleges across inner London. Data collected by self-completion questionnaire are presented on patterns of cigarette, alcohol, cannabis, stimulant and other drug use among White, Black and Asian ethnic groups. Multiple and logistic regression…

There is a growing recognition of the importance of pre-literacy skills among pre-school children. Evidence that children from relatively deprived backgrounds face poorer outcomes in speech and language development and educational achievement has led to an assertive attempt to lessen social inequalities at the earliest opportunity. The UK…

An example of the use of critical science questions provides insight related to one particular family over a 2 year period. The cultures of providers and recipients are viewed simultaneously to examine the cultural differences.

In a multi-stressed environment children and families are affected by one or more sources of significant stress--for example, homelessness, substance abuse, or lack of basic necessities. Living with high levels of stress can take a toll on young children's development. This skill-based staff development program was developed to help classroom…