Provides brief overviews of the four articles in this issue. Articles concern (1) social influences on kindergartners' journal writing; (2) stress behaviors of kindergartners while taking standardized tests; (3) preschool teachers' attitudes about cognitive development, educational objectives, and curriculum practices; and (4) preschool teachers'…

Presents activities for parents to help their children achieve in school. The first activity involves having children create a comfortably furnished space of their own at home for studying. The second involves teaching children to better manage large home and school projects by working through necessary steps. (SM)

A study investigated the grounding strategies used by four Hispanic families with children with disabilities who are experiencing successful friendships with peers without a disability. Results found families, particularly mothers, actively facilitated friendships most frequently by finding opportunities and providing some level of interpretation…

This article discusses why the universal adoption of family-centered values and practice in early intervention is problematic in the context of the current state of early intervention. Recommendations are provided for the new millennium, including participatory research in family-centered early intervention and personnel preparation based on…

Describes how a quilting theme can provide an inclusive, engaging experience for children that also strengthens literacy, communicative, cognitive, and problem-solving skills and encourages family involvement. Outlines the phases of a quilting project, lists related classroom activities for both preschool and primary classrooms, and offers…

Explores the relationship between gender and the ability of parents to manage work and family responsibilities using single fathers (n=346) and single mothers (n=364) in military communities. No gender differences were found among single parents who perceived they were successful at managing family and work responsibilities. There were gender…

Summarizes that sexual activity was strongly associated with age, knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases, and attitudes toward sexuality. Positive affective responsiveness in the family was associated with sexual activity and number of sexual partners. Use of contraceptives was negatively related to affective involvement between parents.…

Discusses the need for school districts to develop lucid, comprehensive policies on family and community involvement. Discusses what teachers can do to lead the way, and what school districts can do. Discusses critical issues in such policy: budget/resource allocations, assessment of outcomes, and the collaboration process. (SR)

Presents a model of the development of anger in family and peer contexts. States that children's awareness of anger depends on exposure to models of anger expression and conflict resolution, parental emotional coaching, and opportunities to practice conflict resolution. Proposes that these strategies carry over into peer relationships. (MKA)

Part C Program of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is related to school social work. Three groups of infants and toddlers served are distinguished; prevention alternatives are discussed. Service delivery (intended to enhance families' ability to care for their children) and the responsibility for service delivery are discussed. (EMK)

This article discusses practical strategies to assist parents in becoming a more inclusive part of the Individualized Education Program process. Characteristics of effective teams are provided, and strategies are listed for providing social support, increasing distinctiveness, ensuring fairness, providing a sense of similarity, and for enhancing…

Increasing numbers of parents are "dumping" parental responsibilities at the school-house door. However, a highly vocal and politically active minority of parents are demanding that schools relinquish those responsibilities. One helpful role the schools can play is to offer parent-education classes that provide specific tips on disciplining…

Examines how family resources and demographic variables relate to adolescent family life satisfaction in remarried family households. Self-report questionnaire data were collected from 95 high school students in remarried families. Showed that flexibility, regularity in household time and routines, and effectiveness in parent communication were…

This article examines factors associated with underutilization of early intervention services, outlines the prevalence of these factors in the population of families with young children, presents statistics on the sociodemographic characteristics of families with children under five, and suggests policies that may facilitate the participation of…

Offers guidelines for creating and implementing an age-appropriate project that fits children's needs, interests, and surroundings. Using the example of a supermarket project, outlines the four stages of a project's development--preliminary planning, getting started, investigation and discovery, and wrapping up the project. Gives tips on learning…