For children age birth to five, physical, cognitive, linguistic, and social-emotional growth and development occur at a rapid pace. While all children in this age range may not reach developmental milestones (e.g., smiling, saying first words, taking first steps) at the same time, development that does not happen within an expected timeframe can…

Children and youth can face emotional strains after a traumatic event such as a car crash or violence. Disasters also may leave them with long-lasting harmful effects. When children experience a trauma, watch it on TV, or overhear others discussing it, they can feel scared, confused, or anxious. Young people react to trauma differently than…

Positive relationships between practitioners and parents are essential for young children's wellbeing, but achieving this can be difficult if there is not enough understanding about how relationships work when one person (the practitioner or teacher) has to play the professional role. Strong communication skills are fundamental to this…

This innovative and practical kit, put together by two well-known specialists in the field of early literacy, contains everything storytime presenters for children from birth to age five and their parents or caregivers need to spread the word about school readiness skills to adult caregivers. The kit includes: (1) An accessible handbook with a…

Research shows that a child's goals for and beliefs about learning are related to his or her performance in mathematics. This pamphlet includes suggestions for parents to help ensure that their children develop positive learning attitudes and succeed in mathematics, including: (1) Introducing babies and toddlers to numbers, counting and shapes;…

The Everyday Learning Series has been developed to focus attention on the every day life experiences of early childhood and to offer insight about how parents and carers can make the most of these experiences. Having a new baby is wonderful and exciting and one of the most trying times in a parent's life. So it is no wonder that anyone caring for…

Discusses how parents can reduce the risks of inappropriate Internet use and ensure positive online experiences for their children. Gives guidelines for family rules and personal rules that each young user should know and understand. (ET)

This collection of materials for parents, early childhood workers, the elderly, and anyone in situations requiring safeguards against poisoning, spans the years 1993 and 1994 and is intended to promote National Poison Prevention Week. The materials included are: (1) the 31-page, illustrated report on National Poison Prevention Week for 1993,…

Smart Start is North Carolina's model early childhood initiative to help all North Carolina children enter school healthy and prepared for success. This resource guide, in Spanish and English versions, is designed to provide parents with information on infant and child development, health care, and resources for further assistance. Presented in an…

Offers guidelines for parents to help their young children manage conflicts and disagreements. Guidelines include calmly articulating needs, listening to others' needs and frustrations, seeking win-win solutions, seeking general rules, modeling good conflict resolution strategies, and reviewing and celebrating successful solutions. Asserts that…

Five articles suggest ways to design welcoming, comforting, supporting, stimulating caregiving environments that are respectful to children and families: (1) "From Borders to Bridges: Transforming Our Relationships with Parents" (Ann Pelo); (2) "Supporting Multicultural, Multilingual Families" (Julie Garrett); (3) "Making Families Welcome" (Deadru…

Describes important components of parent education classes including: (1) class composition; (2) inherent vulnerability of participants; (3) a fun and encouraging atmosphere; (4) teachers who ask and do not tell; (5) teachers who accept mistakes; (6) a parent-friendly class that includes food, movement, and modeling; and (7) focus on parenthood as…

Describes how scheduling regular parent visiting days was a successful way to involve parents in a Montessori classroom for young children. Presents guidelines for parent visits and describes outcomes of parent visits for children, parents, and teachers. (KB)

Identifies the steps involved in changing behavior as a process over time: (1) becoming aware of desire to change; (2) announcing intentions and noticing actions; (3) recognizing detours and catching them during the act; (4) effecting change; (5) managing roadblocks; (6) reinforcing the changed behavior; and (7) completing the process of change.…

The third volume in the Transition Magician series, this book is designed to help early childhood professionals in supporting the parents of young children. The book provides activities for parents and young children for home and away from home to guide children through difficult transition times and to make the most of valuable opportunities for…