Environment is an essential area of attention for practitioners who support young children with disabilities and their families. Decisions about the environment impact the quality of care and education for young children with disabilities showing measurable influence on expected outcomes. Environment impacts true access, quality participation, and…

This secondary analysis of the Early Head Start Research and Evaluation Project, a randomized study of program participation of children and families in Early Head Start (that is, enrolled in programming prior to children's first birthdays) investigated sociodemographic (race and ethnicity, income level, and maternal education level) and program…

Language training for severely developmentally delayed children in the home should be as undisruptive as possible and should use natural training contexts, emphasize functional responses, and provide natural reinforcers or consequences. After identifying the communicative contexts, teaching the response is accomplished through reinforcement,…

This study of 78 mothers of mentally retarded children and adults found that respite care acts as a differential service that can enhance coping resources and is of most benefit to high self-esteem mothers of young developmentally disabled children, especially as a home-based model. (Author/JDD)

The handbook describes the Home Start Training Center's approach to serving Head Start families. Much of the program is focused on the Portage Project and on early intervention efforts for preschoolers. The first of the major parts of the handbook presents an overview of the approach, reviewing the philosophy of parent-focused home-based…

Thirty-seven parents of developmentally handicapped children were surveyed concerning the effects of computerization on service delivery in a Parent Outreach Program. Most parents felt they were more able to see their children's progress over time and to select appropriate goals but did not report improvements in service quality. (Author/JDD)

This handbook, which was written by a retired kindergarten teacher with over 25 years of experience, is intended to bridge the gap between home and school. It describes 260 learning activities, each of which is based on a different concept. Most activities require materials usually found in the home. An activity is provided for each week of the…

Describes Learn Alaska, an electronic educational system run jointly by the University of Alaska and the state Department of Education. Explains use of teleconferencing, videotex, teletext, and software teledelivery. (JM)

Parents of 25 infants/toddlers with handicaps were surveyed to gain perspectives on easing the transition from home-based infant programs to preschool programs. Analysis of the results led to 4 major recommendations and a series of steps that infant program staff can follow to facilitate transition to preschool program options. (JDD)

An effective intervention program which used a CREFT (child relationship enhancement family therapy) approach for changing problematic child behaviors is described. The approach features child-centered play therapy and employment of parents as primary change agents, and provides parents with the understanding and skills to facilitate behavioral…

The paper describes the 26-unit program called "Let's Be Social Home Program" intended to encourage parents to teach social skills to young handicapped children. The program was developed to supplement the "Let's Be Social" preschool program. The home program allows parents a choice in the amount and type of teaching activities…

This paper describes the Intergenerational Program, a high school volunteer program which matches students with older adults who receive help and companionship through the Independent Aging Program (San Jose, California). The history of the student program is reviewed, and the steps involved in establishing the program are outlined. Recruitment of…

Describes St. Maria Goretti School's Home/School-Read/Discuss program in which parent, teacher, and child sign a contract for leisure reading. Both parent and child read and discuss the selected books. Responsibilities of each participant are listed on the sample reading contract provided. (SJL)

Four topical bibliographies list materials held by the Illinois Birth to Three Clearinghouse which collects information of interest to parents, professionals, and policymakers on health, education, and development in infancy and early childhood. Bibliography number 18, "Materials on Home Care," contains 52 entries for books and journal…

The article describes the Parent and Child Tutoring (PACT) program in Adelaide, Australia, with children (ages 7 to 14) having severe reading, writing, spelling, mathematics, and attitudinal problems. Both parents attend group workshops and one parent participates in tutorial sessions. The program has been positively received by both parents and…