Suggests eight questions that can serve as a framework for determining the extent to which early intervention has accomplished the goals inherent in a family-centered approach. Conceptual issues and methodological considerations associated with documenting these outcomes are presented and recommendations regarding implementation and future…

The U.S. Secretary of Education urges Americans to get involved in education through the America Goes Back to School program, which encourages community members to share their time, talents, and experiences to strengthen their local schools. A program activity kit offers tips on involving community members and addressing key issues in education…

A study investigated the experiences of 22 families of children (age 3) with disabilities as they entered, participated in, and exited the transition process. The shift in service delivery models was often problematic, families were given a limited choice of preschool programs, and few programs offered inclusive service models. (Contains…

Describes ways to incorporate science into events that typically happen during the school year, including the school carnival, school assemblies, open house, book fair, sports events, newsletters, field trips, schoolyard cleanup, career days, and parent-teacher conferences. Presents tips to encourage parents to support an improved science program…

Discusses limited participation by males as family caregivers through the assumption that socialization to dominant gender stereotypes is a universal barrier among men. Seeks to understand the personal meaning caregiving has for men. Utilizes interview data from a sample of 32 men who were chief caregivers for elderly relatives. Discusses ways…

Successful school/community partnerships incorporate three elements: reciprocity, democratic processes, and access to varied opportunities. Principals can create sound partnerships by looking first to teachers, making schools family-friendly, reaching into their communities, seeking increased responsibility by families, and understanding mutual…

Examines survivors' attitudes and perceptions of the clinicians who treated their loved one at the time of death. The 71 respondents were relatives or friends of individuals who had died of suicide. Only 11% reported that clinicians attempted to contact them before the death. Discusses implications of findings for clinical practice, legal issues,…

Describes how the Family Resource Center (FRC), one component of a School-Family-Community Partnership Program (SFCPP), was created and implemented to assist with institutionalizing SFCPP linkages at urban high schools. Data from surveys, focus groups, and observations highlighted four positive impacts (e.g., increasing visits to the FRC and…

Considers the terms "integrated therapy" and "inclusive education" as indicators of emerging philosophies in education and therapy, explores the links between them, and assesses the extent of their success in practice. Emphasizes the need for programs to be devised in partnership with each individual family. (CR)

A survey of 105 mothers of children with disabilities assessed grandparent support, helpfulness, and involvement. Respondents' mothers were the most likely of the four grandparents to have provided every type of support and were regarded as the most involved and helpful. Affectionate solidarity between the adult generations predicted support.…

This article examines trends in autism in the context of parental problems and decisions. It compares autism in America in the 1960s with autism today, considers the roles of the Autism Society of America, and discusses the experience of parenting with emphasis on the individuality of each person with autism, challenges, and the probability of…

Admissions and financial aid offices are the initial point of interaction for many parents of college students. Highlights several recent trends in higher education, including the expanding use of technology and a growing consumerism, and how these forces reshape the work of admissions and financial aid professionals. (Contains 21 references.)…

Describes the family-based administrative structure of the Alicia Chacon International School, a magnet elementary school in El Paso, Texas. Students are motivated to learn within the school's family environment through involvement in cultural activities, multilingual instruction, and family participation. (PKP)

Children of migrant farm working families often live and learn in conditions that conspire against both health and education. At the same time, these children are as capable as any in our nation. Education and health care professionals are frequently in positions to support these capabilities and migrant families can be significant contributors to…

This article presents key information on the substance of developing family-educator partnerships to promote caring in children and families during the early childhood years. Specific strategies are presented and discussed with special emphasis on honoring parents and families in their journey to promote caring and peaceable children.