Caregivers need to be alert to signs that a child is not hearing well so that children with hearing problems will receive prompt treatment. Explains the hearing process, what causes hearing loss, how to identify hearing loss at various stages of a child's development, and what caregivers can do if they suspect that a child has a hearing problem.…

The article discusses mainstreaming of students with HIV/AIDS into physical education classes, describing HIV/AIDS conditions and presenting facts about prevalence, concerns related to the preschool and school-aged population, risks associated with the gym, safety precautions, and issues of confidentiality. (SM)

Research indicates an increased prevalence of suicide in young children. Suicidal children have unique characteristics related to developmental stages. The problem persists as children grow and may have serious social consequences. Children can be protected against suicidal behavior by adequate social support. The article includes guidelines for…

Children with special health care needs pose many challenges for community-based providers. The article describes a system of training community-based providers that includes the care of children with special health care needs, levels of training, and expected competencies for the care providers of such children. (SM)

Describes selection criteria based on theory, research, and best educational practice that identify key social and emotional learning (SEL) competencies and program features for promoting students' mental health and reducing risk behaviors. Program features critical to the success of school-based SEL programs emphasize curriculum design,…

Children who are exposed to violence may develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To effectively work with children's responses to trauma, school personnel must be familiar with symptoms of PTSD and prepare possible coping strategies. The paper presents examples of affective, cognitive, and behavioral coping strategies that are effective for…

Knowledge of and preparation for life-threatening food allergies will enable school personnel to better respond to students who have severe allergic reactions. Given the high incidence of food-related anaphylaxis in public places, teachers and school personnel should be aware of and prepared to handle severe food allergy reactions. (SM)

Regular exercise is important for children's and adolescents' health maintenance, facilitating weight control, strengthening bones, and improving cardiovascular risk factors and mental health. Active childhoods help promote lifetime fitness. Physicians can assess children's weight and activity levels during routine exams. With simple…

This Technical Assistance Paper offers guidance to programs regarding the implementation of the "Head Start Program Performance Standards" on child health and developmental services, child health and safety, and child nutrition. The paper examines how physical health influences children's development and how child health and development…

Noting the rapid changes occurring in the world of infectious diseases, this book provides updated information for care providers, educators, and parents on the increasingly complex issues of childhood infection. The book is organized into two parts. The first part discusses general considerations for group settings. Chapter 1 introduces the…

The goal of Minnesota's Early Childhood Screening (ECS) program is to identify normal aspects of a child's health and development while sorting out potential problems that need further evaluation. In addition, all parents are linked to resources in the school and community to enhance their child's development and their own parenting skills. This…

Developed by Voices for Illinois Children, a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy group that addresses problems faced by Illinois children and their families, this booklet evaluates in a report card format the condition of Illinois children in the areas of education, health, special needs, and economic level. Sections of the booklet describing each of…

These three booklets were designed to help Christian, Catholic, and Jewish congregations and parishes participate in the National Observance of Children's Sabbaths on October 16-18, 1992. During the Children's Sabbath, religious services and programs focus on the needs of children and ways in which the religious community can help meet those…

In 1975, Congress established the School Breakfast Program, which gives federal funds to help schools provide morning meals to children. The Food Research and Action Center has worked to increase the number of schools participating in the program. This document is a handbook for organizing a school breakfast program at the local level. Chapters in…

Based on a need in Hawaii for a multilevel responsibility and commitment to ensure adolescent wellness, the Hawaii Adolescent Wellness Team developed a plan based on research and discussions with a variety of professionals and community leaders in health, education, and social service. This resource handbook is designed to assist communities in…