Examined the impact of individual environmental and biological risks on the home environment of three-year olds in a sample of low birth weight, premature infants. Suggests that compared to nonpoor families, poor families experienced more multiple risk factors. Poverty clearly had a negative effect on the provision of learning experiences,…

Reviews three books on family preservation and welfare services: (1) "Families in Crisis: The Impact of Intensive Family Preservation Services" (Mark Frases and others); (2) "Together Again: Family Reunification in Foster Care" (Barbara Pine and others); and (3) "Rethinking Child Welfare in Canada" (Brian Wharf,…

Summarizes research on disabled children's effects on families and families' influences on children's adjustment. Offers (1) guidelines for family support programs involving school-home partnerships; (2) cautionary notes on provision of family support programs; and (3) methods for preparing professionals for such programs. (BC)

Presents a definition of empowerment based on research and school-based programing. Discusses ways in which schools can involve parents, teachers, and administrators in an empowerment process that leads to improved student achievement. Offers questions that can be used to focus initiatives in home-school partnerships. (BC)

Parent attitudes and effects of parent participation were studied for workshops for professionals trying to become more family-focused in early intervention programs for children with disabilities. Thirty professionals and six mothers participated. Parent presence influenced the extent to which professionals perceived a need for change in program…

Offers an overview of the history of the Chilean Education System and shows how many early childhood programs have been developed since the early 1900s. Details employer-provided care programs for children under two. Also discusses the training of those involved in early childhood education. (BB)

This paper reports a survey of 1,283 Michigan families of children with severe mental impairment, multiple impairments, or autism, concerning the state's cash subsidy program. Families reported that the subsidy amount was adequate. The greatest need was for sitters and respite care, followed by life planning, speech and physical therapy, and…

Surveys examined the perceptions of 22 early-interventionists about their degree of involving families in the Individualized Family Service Plan process, and assessed the satisfaction of 90 parents regarding the services they and their child received. Parents appeared equally satisfied with interventionists regardless of interventionist's degree…

The beliefs of 280 early childhood teachers regarding aspects of family-centered programing were assessed using the Family Involvement Survey. Results showed that public school teachers reported less positive beliefs about parents' interests and abilities and lower competence in relating to families than did either child care or Head Start…

Describes developmental and behavioral characteristics of homeless young children and their parents. Reports on how states and communities are attempting to meet the early education and care of young children in homeless families. Discusses the needs or problems that early education and care programs that include homeless children should address.…

Reviews the history of La Cabana kindergarten, which provides preschool education and meals for 100 children and sewing classes for mothers in a working class neighborhood in Bogota, Colombia. Describes the implementation of a new curriculum which develops child creativity through free choice of activities around a common project. (AC)

Responds to criticism of Head Start by outlining Head Start's goals and design; reviewing research studies of the program's effectiveness; discussing the cost of funding quality programs; and providing examples of expanded Head Start programs that serve infants, toddlers, and school age children, and examples of creative uses of supplementary…

To meet new North Carolina requirements for "infant credential" and "preschool handicapped" certification, teachers and other professionals working in 19 (mostly rural) early intervention programs received on-site training that combined seminars, consultation, and trainee projects. Evaluation revealed program characteristics…

Research pointing to the need for routine support and followup for families with infants leaving Neonatal Intensive Care Units is described. A discharge planning process is then recommended, involving assessing the infant's needs, family functioning, family needs, and cultural considerations and linking families with community services. (JDD)

Recent criticisms of Project Head Start have resulted in plans to improve program services and to expand in a more thoughtful manner to make the program more responsive to the needs of children and families. New directions include expansion below and beyond the ages previously served by Head Start. (SLD)