The follow-up to Pianta & Cox's groundbreaking "The Transition to Kindergarten," this book updates readers on what has happened in early childhood education in the past seven years; clarifies influential changes in demographics, policies, and practices; and describes promising early education programs and policies. More than 30 highly respected…

Designed as a "Participant's Manual" to be used as part of a "Chemical and Mercury Management in Schools Training," this document focuses on the policies and programs needed at the school and district level for safe and sustainable chemical and mercury management practices. This document is designed primarily for school…

This manual was designed for Catholic Relief Services staff who want to improve the health and nutrition component of maternal and child health programs. The methodology presented had already been used in two country programs in Africa, and the experiences in those program evaluations made this guide to participatory evaluation useful for other…

There is a high rate of children's injuries on America's playgrounds. This report examines this issue and provides guidance on how to make playgrounds safer and more fun for children, and procedures for performing an initial analysis of the safety of a local playground using a playground safety checklist. Additionally, it provides a step-by-step…

Health problems impede the academic performance of 12 percent of students. Schools are in a unique position to help their state's Medicaid and children's health insurance programs connect with parents who lack health insurance for their children. This booklet provides suggestions to help school staff identify, inform, and help to enroll families…

This paper describes five key trends in the ways the rules for education are changing, the potential implications of the changes, and challenges for those promoting school health education. (SM)

This book compiles 22 articles concerning sick building syndrome in educational facilities in following three areas: determining whether a school is sick; assessing causes and initiating treatment; and developing interventions. Articles address such topics as managing the psycho-social aspects of sick building syndrome; how indoor air quality…

This manual was designed to assist Minnesota's schools in minimizing the consumption of lead in drinking water by students and staff. It offers step-by-step instructions for testing and reducing lead in drinking water. The manual answers: Why is lead a health concern? How are children exposed to lead? Why is lead a special concern for schools? How…

Despite the recent, unprecedented growth of school-based health centers and the related increased support from state government, the future of school-based health centers is uncertain. Since they can no longer rely on federal support, private insurance, or other commercial sources, each state must develop its own approach to supporting the…

Health problems impede the academic performance of many children. Schools are in a unique position to help their state's Medicaid and children's health insurance programs connect with parents who lack health insurance for their children. This guide provides suggestions for identifying eligible children, informing parents of free or low-cost…

The purpose of this booklet is to provide source materials on mine awareness for teachers and practitioners who are involved with primary school children in high-risk areas and to launch a process of information and research in the field of land-mine awareness. The presented material draws heavily on the conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina and is…

Two major trends have affected the responsibility of the public schools in providing health education and services over the past 2 decades. First, the structure of the family and the demographics of the school-aged population have changed dramatically, placing greater burdens for child welfare on school systems. Second, the leading causes of…

"Healthy School Meals: Promotion Ideas That Work" is a Minnesota program based on the USDA's Team Nutrition program. The program's goal is to improve the health of children through school meals and nutrition education. This is accomplished by empowering schools to serve meals meeting the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and motivating…

This book introduces the basic elements necessary to comply with specific state reporting statutes on child abuse. It analyzes the reporting statutes of all 50 states (including the District of Columbia) and outlines those requirements imposed on mandatory reporters employed in public schools and in other professions. Federal court cases are also…

Advances in medical technology have enabled more children who are medically fragile and technologically dependent to survive. Local school districts must determine whether a particular service is a "related service" covered by the Education for the Handicapped Act (EHA) or a "medical service" excluded under EHA. Reviews court…