Examined the relationship between language and cognitive development and emotional-behavioral problems (measured concurrently and at a 5- and 17-month follow-up) in 680 nonreferred 4-year-olds from financially-disadvantaged families. Found that language delays were significantly related to emotional-behavioral problems. When cognitive differences…

Explored the perceptions of 13 Taiwanese mothers of 12-month-olds regarding the benefits of parent-infant interaction for development of social competence and parents' role in achieving these benefits. Found that mothers thought parent-infant interactive play contributed to both emotional and social components of social competence. Themes within…

Projective methods were used to explore maternal perception and interpretation of infant's emotional expressions during the third trimester of pregnancy and 3 months postpartum. Results revealed that mothers interpreted infant emotions overwhelmingly in positive terms at both times; findings suggest consistency in maternal interpretation across…

Used discourse analysis to examine outcomes of enriching preschoolers' play with artifacts emphasizing number symbols and to examine aspects of talk significant for early mathematical understanding in classrooms. Found that introducing the artifacts was associated with general increase in talk and activity involving the materials, with evidence…

Describes a federally funded partnership between Northeastern Illinois University and Chicago Public Schools to provide an inner-city family literacy program. Details program components, highlighting use of computers, video technology, and photography as tools to develop literacy and to document progress of parents and children. Notes evaluation…

Evaluated an instructional procedure that focused on reflective problem-solving and used young children's fascination with stars as a starting point to develop their concept of numbers. Found that test group performance on mathematics problem- solving tasks indicated developing understanding of the concept of numbers 1 through 5, compared to that…

Responds to criticisms of Lovaas' treatment methods of children with autism and highlights relevant data presented in Jordan and Jones' (1998) report to the Department for Education and Employment in Great Britain. Discusses approaches of the Higashi method and Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communications Handicapped Children…

Interviewed male preservice teachers, exploring reasons for choosing early childhood and elementary education and their attitudes toward traditional reasons cited for male avoidance of teaching careers. Found most believed their roles would be perceived differently from those of female teachers and that they would have an easier time obtaining a…

Presents a model for the relationships between poverty and violence. Argues that exposure to violence may lead to more high-risk behaviors in adolescence and adulthood. Offers a psychoeducational framework for understanding the complex issues posed by damaging effects of violence and poverty on children. Recommends school-based prevention programs…

Makes recommendations for raising happy, achieving children, focusing on the role of parents and teachers. Discusses how parents and teachers build child self-esteem and how they can support one another. Presents positive discipline suggestions for teachers and parents. Outlines the importance of applying brain research findings in child rearing.…

Investigated types of literacy activities and materials that 36 families used to promote literacy development among kindergartners from four classrooms. Found that family members were sensitive to their children's interests and skills in their selection of activities and materials. Also found that family members engaged in literary activities…

Compared the cross-cultural effectiveness of a 10-hour psychoeducational program with 82 Mexican and 63 American mothers of very young children. Found that both groups significantly increased their expectations and use of nurturing strategies and reduced their use of verbal and corporal punishment following the program. Reported child behavior…

Describes key findings concerning the effectiveness of applied behavior analysis (ABA) for children with autism. Discusses obstacles present in Ireland to treating children with autism using ABA techniques. Describes the work of Parents' Education as Autism Therapists and the Irish Children's Autism Network for Developmental Opportunities to…

Uses a Steinerian perspective to examine recent trends in educational policy and practices in Great Britain. Discusses aspects of Steiner's approach that support children's development: reality, respect, rhythm, and morality. Maintains that the toy represents elements of early child development that are unique to that period and form the basis for…

Examined abstracts reported in the "Social Work Abstracts" from 1977 to the present to identify articles pertaining to the physical, mental, emotional, social, economic, cultural, and spiritual dimensions of family health. Found that the social work literature offers an extensive number of articles on topics related to family health. Explored…