This book examines the threat to childhood development posed by living amid chronic community violence and the link between a child's response to growing up in an atmosphere of violence and danger and the social context established for that child by community and caregivers. The 11 chapters in the book are as follows: (1) "The Meaning of…

Following mention of the literature and pioneers in the field of at-risk family involvement in education, this document discusses the history of the term "at risk" and its use, identification of children at risk, and the two major risk factors: poverty and minority status. The important connections and assets missing from the at-risk child's world…

In keeping with its priority to reduce the disproportionate burden of heart, lung, and blood diseases in minority populations, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has established an outreach project called Building Healthy Hearts for American Indians and Alaska Natives. This background report provides an overview of the cardiovascular…

A number of risks researchers have identified with latchkey children are described. The lack of effective advocacy on behalf of such children is discussed and special educators in general are seen as well-suited to the advocate's role resulting from their knowledge base, experience, and commitment to preventive programing. (PB)

Written to meet the affective need of adolescent students to share their feelings and concerns with supportive listeners, this document contains 50 guided discussions on various topics relating to three focus areas: the self, the self and others, and stress. Under the focus of the self topics include: personal strengths and limitations; behind the…

Developed by a group of researchers, administrators, and practitioners, this manual provides a practical guide for improving the coordination of education, health, and human services for at-risk children and families. Divided into three main sections, the guide leads readers through a five-stage process of group collaboration. The milestones in…

This annual report, which provides information on the status of Pre-K through 12 education in Iowa, is divided into six basic sections: preface, enrollments, staff, programs, student performance, and school finance. The preface provides context by describing Iowa's changing demographic, economic, and social landscape. Each section presents summary…

This guide to alcohol and other drug abuse prevention for individuals with disabilities begins with a discussion of Congressional intent in enacting the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), the stressful demands experienced by Americans with disabilities, and the ways in which these stresses may predispose people with disabilities to…

This booklet is designed to give Peace Corps country directors, staff, and volunteers ideas and examples of how they can assist youth-at-risk through government agencies and private organizations working with youth in their host countries. It begins with an overview of the problems of youth-at-risk, followed by six scenarios. Each scenario is…

This compilation presents background information and a resource directory concerning the growing dilemma of crack-exposed infants. Information on the incidence of crack use among women of child-bearing age is reviewed. The effects of crack on young children are outlined, and ways in which parents, educators, and other professionals can help these…

This two-part digest offers a paper on early childhood development and a discussion of programming for early childhood care and development. In the first paper, an initial discussion of early childhood development is followed by a review of child development projects and an exploration of implications for policy and action. Appendices to this…

The guide is intended to help parents of young children with special needs identify early intervention services (for children birth through age 2) and special education services (for children ages 3 through 5). Part 1 answers typical questions of parents of infants including: What should I do if I think my child has special needs? What are early…

Guidelines are presented for incorporating screening and assessment into a sequential and comprehensive model of preschool intervention services. At-risk children who may receive intervention services and an ecological intervention model are described. Three categories of children may benefit from services of early intervention programs: children…

Aimed at helping the most vulnerable young adolescents, this book attempts to provide tools and techniques for practitioners working with youth at risk for academic, behavioral, and emotional difficulties resulting from such factors as difficult family situations, learning problems, or socioeconomic disadvantage. The SPARK curriculum combines a…

Noting that caring adults can help teens make the right decisions during the difficult time of adolescence, this guide for parents provides some useful tools to improve parents' communication with teenagers to help them get through adolescence successfully. The booklet is presented in six parts: (1) "Getting the Conversation Started," including…