What are the characteristics of programs that have the greatest likelihood of success in promoting the development of very young children at risk? This brief review of research offers insights for policy makers and early childhood educators alike. The United States is fortunate to have well-designed early educational intervention programs that may…

Notes that young children need to express joys and sadness; discusses candle ceremony designed for discussions of grief. Suggests teachers inform parents of the ceremony and solicit their help in preparing children, resolve not to try to solve all problems that may be discussed, inform children the moments are private, and plan for difficult…

Examines issues related to a national system of public prekindergarten, including challenges confronting educators. Recommends broadening eligibility, encouraging collaboration among early childhood programs, strengthening family support and participation, implementing appropriate curricula and evaluation, and identifying teacher qualifications.…

Describes how to incorporate environmental print materials into early childhood programs. Outlines strategies for using environmental print, such as personalized books, story walls, categorization games, and pretend play. Discusses reducing dependence on context cues and involving families with print activities. (KB)

Provides guidelines to prepare for and monitor successful inclusion programs for children who require individualized health-related intervention to enable participation in early childhood programs. The framework includes establishing standards for care that are comprehensive, coordinated, family-centered, culturally relevant, community-based, and…

Summarizes current theories about children's peer relationships and suggests practices recommended by teachers for parents concerned about their children's social development. Asserts that not having friends can be frustrating and painful for young children. Explores parental influences and gives steps parents can take to enhance children's social…

Offers practical advice for staff and families associated with integrated programs. Identifies potential sources of stress and discusses eight strategies toward successful inclusion involving systemic planning, suggested resources, and family participation. Suggests embedding intervention of individual goals and objectives in an activity-based…

Describes the format of, and topics covered in, the Partners in Play training model, which is designed to enrich children's play in child care settings through the development of play training for parents and caregivers. Training focuses on techniques and strategies that help adults understand and facilitate play. (BB)

Discusses field trip preparation involving identifying places to visit, communicating with contacts at the sites, enlisting the help of parents, preparing parents, preparing students, and planning follow-up activities. (SW)

Suggests ways to encourage parents to participate in field trips. Notes how such participation enhances family involvement in early childhood programs and builds stronger parent-child relationships while creating an informal learning environment. (SW)

Discusses what schools, caregivers/teachers, parents, and communities can do to ensure/enhance children's learning and school readiness in accordance with the theoretical framework and eventual implementation of the 1990 National Education Goal 1. (BB)

Addresses common concerns that early childhood teachers have about portfolio assessment, ways to find time to use portfolio assessment, and suggestions for involving young children and their families in the process of assessment and evaluation. (MDM)

Discusses problems concerning the involvement of teenage parents in their young children's education and development, and suggests ways in which early childhood teachers and caregivers can facilitate such parent involvement. Focuses specifically on the involvement of teenage fathers. (BB)

Describes a model implemented by the Little Rock (Arkansas) school district that focused on the transition of children with special needs from preschool and home-based programs into district kindergarten. The model's main emphasis was on cooperating with and empowering all parents to act as independent and informed advocates for their children.…

Illustrates how early childhood professionals can and do play an important role in providing secure and developmentally appropriate educational environments for young children by facilitating and improving teacher-family interactions. Provides strategies for improving family involvement. (BB)