This study reports on the Little Hoover Commission's investigation of California's mechanisms for caring for abused and neglected children. Fourteen major findings and corresponding recommendations for addressing findings are presented. The report begins with a brief executive summary, introduction, and background information. The first section…

Noting that by assuring well-child health care, screening, assessment, and follow-up for every child, Head Start can make a significant difference in children's lives, this training guide is intended to provide support to enhance the quality of Head Start well-child health care. The three training modules of the guide are organized to provide…

Central Falls' Kids First, a 3-year initiative was designed to eradicate local childhood hunger through the expansion of federal child nutrition programs in Central Falls, a small, densely populated, ethnically diverse and low-income city in northeastern Rhode Island. A strong community partnership was created and included the office of the city's…

This brief Kids Count report reviews principal adverse birth outcomes that affect the status of infants in Montana, including infant mortality and low birth weight. Statistics and brief summaries are provided in the following areas: (1) infant mortality (on the decline since 1989); (2) low birth rate (remaining steady from 1988 through 1992); (3)…

The effects of anticonvulsant medication or alcohol use during pregnancy on the development of children are examined. Malformations of children whose mothers used anticonvulsant medications or alcohol while pregnant are illustrated. Prevention of the use of alcohol and anticonvulsant medication by pregnant women is discussed. (CR)

Under the Smart Start program, 19 of North Carolina's Appalachian counties have qualified for competitive state funding to improve community services to young children and their families. Programs tailored to local needs provide subsidized child care to children of working parents, preventive health screenings, literacy and high school equivalency…

Investigates the use of school nurses to deliver the American Medical Association's Guidelines for Adolescent Preventive Services (GAPS) in collaboration with school and community professionals. Examines GAPS' components and related critical issues (identifying students for screening, screening students, triage, interdisciplinary and interagency…

Major shifts in policy have marked the attitude toward homework in U.S. educational history. This discussion focuses on the effort to abolish homework waged by Progressive educational experts in the early 20th century. Health was the primary argument against homework in the years before World War I. (SLD)

Argues that playgrounds must provide all children with opportunities for physical, social, constructive, dramatic, and game play. Suggests that considerations include playground regulations, safety, age appropriate areas, accommodation of children with physical disabilities, materials selection, construction, available manufactured play equipment,…

Examined relationship between television viewing frequency and adolescents' health-related and psychosocial characteristics. Found that shyness and exercise frequency predicted television viewing frequency. Among females, exercise frequency, shyness, loneliness, and perceived attractiveness predicted viewing frequency. Light viewers exercised more…

Discusses the beginnings, the demise, and the present status of gardens in preschool or day care centers. Describes the nursery garden developed by Margaret McMillan. (BG)

Provides guidelines for effective communication between a child's physician and his or her child care providers. (BB)

Reviews what is known about the factors that influence child's food-acceptance patterns, including children's sensory responsiveness, innate preferences, and ability to learn about food; the consequences of eating; and the effect of child-feeding practices on children's food-acceptance patterns. Suggests that early experience contributes to the…

In this study, researchers observed third graders' physical activity levels and associated variables in physical education classes in four Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health centers nationwide. Results found significant differences among centers for physical activity and lesson context variables. During free play, boys were more…

Describes the rationale for the School Health Policies and Programs Study developed and implemented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on the health status of youth. The study measured policies and programs at state, district, school, and classroom levels across multiple components of school health programs. (SM)