This article provides a rationale for developing communication/interviewing skills of early childhood interventionists, presents information on training in family interviewing and communication skills, describes perspectives of interventionists who have attended a workshop on the family-focused interview, and suggests strategies to help…

The study analyzed 102 family members' and practitioners' opinions about expected early intervention outcomes for families of disabled individuals, and identified preferences for information gathering methods concerning family strengths and needs for Individualized Family Service Plans. (Author/PB)

Includes "Design of Process Evaluation (PE) within the Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health,""Classroom PE in a Multicenter Trial,""Food Service Program PE,""Physical Activity PE,""Family PE,""PE of Environmental Factors and Programs,""Challenges of Conducting PE in a…

Compares the social support of 115 low-income housed mothers and 92 homeless mothers residing in emergency shelters, transitional housing, and doubled-up arrangements. Results reveal that homeless mothers in emergency shelters and transitional housing had significantly less contact with friends and relatives. Implications for policy development…

This response to Mahoney et al. (EC 623 392), although agreeing that parent education needs to be reemphasized, disagrees with the reasons offered for why parent education is not a more explicit focus of current early-intervention efforts. Alternative approaches, such as family-centered practices and family support, are described. A model that…

This response to Mahoney et al. (EC 623 392) agrees that parent education can be philosophically compatible with family-centered approaches and suggests a view of parent education as partnership education. After identifying the problems of traditional parent education, partnership education is discussed in terms of ecological perspectives, parents…

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…

Full-service community schools may be the most popular examples of public school transformation. The success formula features interventionist, "wrap-around services" for individuals, children, and families. From this model and its lessons arises another model that stresses interdependence, collaboration, and enlightened self-interest.…

In 1987, the Children's Aid Society of New York City and the Central Board of Education agreed to develop four full-service community schools. Programs stress educational improvement, family involvement, and comprehensive services. The CAS technical assistance center has helped create 45 U.S. and overseas community schools. (MLH)

Traces the development of a deficit perspective of low-income, nonmainstream families through a historical review of parent involvement in kindergarten, preschool programs, and various at-risk early childhood programs. Both covert and overt deficit perspectives toward low-income families have prevented early intervention programs from fully…

This article refutes 10 myths and identifies literature that supports service delivery to infants and toddlers with disabilities in natural settings. The benefits of naturalistic intervention, home-based services, and family-centered services are discussed, and concerns regarding therapist shortages, ethical problems, personal safety of providers,…

Examines how U.S. societal stratifications have pervaded early childhood care and education and related social programs and policies. Reviews the history of multitiered early childhood programs, focusing on African American education issues, early 20th-century child care, and Head Start's legacy and limitations. Charts future directions for child…

The experience of Project STAR, an early intervention program for children with acquired immune deficiency syndrome and their families in Boston, Massachusetts, has revealed that successful direct service programs must be family centered and community based, must provide a comprehensive range of services, and must coordinate those services across…

Describes a three-month study of a family reunification program for abused and neglected children that explored the process and outcomes of service delivery. The coding scheme measured both the time used in and purposes of activities of the service workers. Discusses the implications of this method for practice, planning, and research. (TM)

Describes one community-based program designed to support and strengthen families with an identified problem of substance abuse. Discusses parents' progress in addressing their problems, reduction of risk in Project families, children's placement experience, and client satisfaction. Concludes with implications for practice with substance…