This handbook is designed to aid parent associations in the New York City schools to better manage their financial responsibilities. After discussing the nature of Budget and Audit Committees, the handbook stresses the need for a budget and the items to be included in it. The areas of management, recordkeeping, and auditing are delineated. (WP)

The topic of this month's column is the development of parent organizations for parents of gifted and talented children.

This article looks at ways the Social Security Administration is changing its image to be more helpful to families with a disabled child. Noted are Supplemental Security Income benefits, the part played by the National Parent Network on Disability, and the recent "Zebley" Supreme Court decision. (DB)

Peer support can be helpful in reducing the stress involved in giving birth to and raising a child with handicaps. A peer support group can help meet the parents' needs for information, emotional support, and ways to connect with social/health systems components. To be successful, a peer support system should be led by parents, have access to…

Suggestions are offered for establishing local parent association groups as advocates for gifted and talented students. Beginning concerns include location and recruitment of new members; affiliation with state and national groups (such as the Association for the Gifted within the Council for Exceptional Children and the National Assocation for…

Part of a 10 booklet series on talented and gifted education, the booklet discusses organizing a support group for parents of talented and gifted children. Aspects described include making the contacts, developing the structure of the group, possible group projects and activities, and suggested program topics. Techniques for insuring group success…

Designed primarily for parents of children with genetic disorders, the booklet provides information about parent groups. Part 1 describes parent groups, including organization, types of groups, and methods of outreach. A sample letter of invitation to attend a parent group and an outline of the initial meeting is included along with a list of…

A question and answer section discusses facts about child abuse. Suggestions are given to organize activities in the community and in the schools that can identify and prevent abuse. (MT)

This article suggests techniques for recruitment and involvement of students in local and state Parent Teacher Associations (PTA). The National PTA has authorized the establishment of Parent, Teacher, Student Associations (PTSA). The process for changing from PTA to PTSA is outlined. (IAH)

The author provides information on organizing a parent support group for parents of gifted children to share problems and plan appropriate educational opportunities for their children. Suggestions are made for making contacts, developing the group structure, and ensuring the group's success. (SBH)

The digest addresses concerns of parents of gifted children. An initial section recaps ways in which gifted children are identified. The next section examines ways in which parents can encourage gifted children at home (through such avenues as permitting ample time for thinking and daydreaming and assigning household tasks that coincide with…

The handbook focuses on ways in which local Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC) groups can meet the needs of young parents with retarded children. The importance of recruiting young parents is stressed, and perceptions of these parents toward the ARC are considered. Local ARC units are advised about ways to find young parents in the community,…

This guide, designed for use in the Detroit, Michigan public schools, is intended to help parents become participants in bilingual/bicultural programs. Beginning with an overall perspective on bilingual education, the guide outlines the specific requirements of the State of Michigan's Bilingual Education Law. The next section provides an overview…

This handbook, designed for members of Title I parent advisory councils, explains the Title I program and serves as a guide to organizing and conducting parent councils. The first chapter contains a brief summary of Title I history and intent. Chapter two explains laws and amendments relating to parent advisory councils. The third chapter offers…

This guide, in Spanish, notes the value of parent groups for parents of children with disabilities, as they offer parents a place and a means to share information, give and receive emotional support, and work as a team to address common concerns. Typical activities of a parent group are listed, and ways of identifying parent groups that exist…