This report, the third annual publication of Iowa Kids Count, proposes that, by building upon effective system of support, and moving decision-making to the family and community level, solutions to the problems confronting today's youth can be found. The first section of this report summarizes the framework paper developed for the Kids Count…

This compilation of extensive facts and figures on topics pertaining to America's children and families is a ready reference for journalists, advocates, and others who need easy access to data on conditions and trends. The book's first nine chapters are: (1) "The Changing American Family"; (2) "Children's Growth and…

Noting that communities and states all across America are working to achieve the first National Education Goal--by the year 2000, all children in America will start school ready to learn--this paper provides information on efforts to meet that goal. The first portion of the paper presents a definition of readiness to learn devised by the Education…

This newsletter issue focuses on how the family support movement can help reshape the human services delivery system to more effectively meet the needs of African American families. The newsletter includes the following articles: (1) "Dispelling Myths and Building on Strengths: Supporting African American Families"; (2) "The 'Nguzo…

This theme issue of the Bernard van Leer Foundation's "Newsletter" is devoted to approaches to working with disadvantaged children up to 3 years of age. An introduction describes the crucial period from before birth to 3 years, noting that although the mother's body provides the an essential part of the environment, other easily…

This study examined provision of services to children with developmental disabilities and their families in the context of requirements of Part H of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which requires family centered services for infants and toddlers. Focus group discussions were held with health professionals at two sites in each of…

Aspire to Win through Academic Retention in Excellence (Project AWARE) was evaluated after its first year (1989-90) of offering limited-English-proficient Spanish-speaking students individual and group counseling, college and career guidance, family assistance, and youth leadership development. Services were also given to families and to students…

This annotated bibliography for program operators, policymakers, academics, interested students, and other professionals describes materials related to young children and families in poverty, social welfare policies, and prevention programs. The major criteria for the inclusion of materials were that the subject matter be appropriate and that the…

Canadian families differ from one another to the degree that it is now customary for researchers, helping professionals, teachers, and others to declare their interest in families, not "the family." The proliferation of different family forms has led some, who disregard the fact that the traditional family has had a very brief history,…

Providing cost-effective services in 15 counties of Southeast Kansas, the Infant and Early Childhood Intervention Program (IECIP) teaches parents to provide daily one-to-one therapy in gross and fine perceptual motor development, speech and language development, social adjustment, and behavior management for developmentally delayed children from…

The complex special needs of families with chronically ill children will be best met through the development of regionalized systems of care. A national program is proposed in the context of a generic definition of chronic childhood illness, emphasizing coordinated regional efforts which provide services as close to a child's home as possible. The…

This position paper by Voices for Illinois Children describes alarming problems faced by Illinois children and proposes legislative and programmatic interventions. It is noted that the well-being of children in Illinois has deteriorated dramatically in the past 10 years, and that significant improvements in policies and programs for children are…

In 1988, the Michigan Community Coordinated Child Care (4C) Association was established to help develop a statewide child care policy and to provide support to a network of 13 local and regional 4C agencies. One of the association's first major tasks was to describe the state of child care and related services in Michigan and to make…

This overview of intergenerational and family literacy programs in the United States consists of five sections, a bibliography, and four appendices. Section 1 presents background information and expectations for programs and describes the target populations and program designs and administration. Section 2 describes the research base and the…

In fiscal year 1983 nearly 1,500 Alaskan children under the age of 6 received Head Start services from a total of 262 staff members--149 of whom were classroom personnel--and 1,473 volunteers. Over 700 Head Start children received medical screening, and more than 100 needed and received medical treatment through Head Start. Over 800 Head Start…