Various topics are discussed in this issue of "The Achiever", the U.S. Department of Education's biweekly bulletin for parents and community leaders on "No Child Left Behind," the historic, bipartisan education reform law signed by President Bush in January 2002. This issue includes the following articles: "President Bush Announces New Education…

Intended to provide concrete ways for parents to help children become readers and writers, this Spanish-language, easy-to-read, illustrated booklet uses the everyday routines that parents follow with their children--bathing and dressing, eating, shopping, doing household chores--to demonstrate how to build vocabulary, learn about conversations,…

Parents of preschoolers have no time for trial and error; the they are too busy with day-to-day survival. Practical survival tips for parents of preschoolers are interspersed with humorous anecdotes in this book, organized according to a typical day in the lives of preschool children. Tips are organized according to three interaction levels: (1)…

Studies have documented that schedules and routines influence children's emotional, cognitive, and social development. Predictable and consistent schedules in preschool classrooms help children feel secure and comfortable. Also, schedules and routines help children understand the expectations of the environment and reduce the frequency of behavior…

Studies that show the effectiveness of self-management have been conducted with young children who have behavior problems, children with developmental delays, children at-risk, and children with identified disabilities. This "What Works Brief" presents strategies for teaching young children to manage their own behavior. It uses a simple format…

Intended to provide concrete ways for parents to help children become readers and writers, this easy-to-read, illustrated booklet uses the everyday routines that parents follow with their children--bathing and dressing, eating, shopping, doing household chores--to demonstrate how to build vocabulary, learn about conversations, and discover meaning…

This guide has been developed to help parents understand the reading section of the North Carolina Standard Course of Study, the revised state reading curriculum which is intended to make sure that every student learns to read and write well. The guide offers general tips on helping each child, as well as terminology and research information that…

Parents and teachers can help children enjoy the benefits of visiting museums. While school tours are important, family visits are invaluable. Drawing real benefits from visiting museums requires in-depth family visits. The article discusses the advantages of children's museums, examines learning within museums, and presents tips for visiting…

Written for parents, this book answers the following questions: (1) What is preschool about, and what are appropriate parent expectations for the experience? (2) Why should (or shouldn't) a child go to preschool, and what are reasonable alternatives to preschool? (3) When is a child, and a parent, ready for the preschool experience? (4) What are…

Using a lighthearted and simple approach, this 23-minute videotape in English and Spanish versions presents interactions between parents and children while reading books. The children in the videotape range in age from 0 to 5 years. The video is introduced by scenes of children enjoying books while narration discussing the impact of reading to…

This document is a guide to provide the foundation for developing local Head Start programs into strong communities for staff and families. Using workshop and coaching activities, the guide initiates a process of staff training and development designed to foster cooperation between families and staff. These activities encourage Head Start staff…

This set of materials consists of two booklets designed to assist parents in helping their children to study and learn appropriate studying skills, beginning at preschool and primary grade levels. Book 1 is designed for use at the preschool level and Book 2 is designed for use at the kindergarten to Grade 3 level. Each of these volumes contains…

This book was developed to teach children about nature by encouraging their curiosity about the natural world through outdoor activities. The book describes 186 learning activities that encourage children to experience and appreciate the earth. The learning activities are arranged and presented in theme sections to illustrate "the Sense of…

This manual is designed to help parents learn how the special education system works in Pennsylvania and how parents can use the system to benefit their child. Chapters of the manual cover the student's right to: (1) a free appropriate public education; (2) pre-evaluation screening; (3) evaluations and re-evaluations; (4) an individualized…

Based on research indicating that children between ages 2 and 5 become aware of gender, race, ethnicity, and disabilities, this brochure attempts to assist parents in dealing with misconceptions, discomfort, fear, and rejection of differences that may develop into prejudice in their young children. The brochure argues that bias adversely…