This final report describes activities and accomplishments of a 4-year federal grant to provide statewide planning and improved educational and support services for 150 Louisiana children/youth with deafblindness. Activities and accomplishments are reported for each of six major objectives: (1) organizing project resources; (2) improving early…

This paper provides an overview of demographic and educational attainment data on Latinos in Ventura County, California, and describes an ongoing initiative to increase Latino college attendance through improved K-12 preparation and family involvement. In both its urban and rural areas, Ventura County harbors large Latino populations who are…

This final report describes accomplishments of the four-year federally funded Arizona Deafblind Project which attempted to: (1) identify all deafblind children in Arizona; (2) deliver technical assistance to families; (3) deliver technical assistance to service providers; and (4) enhance community oversight, coordination, and collaboration with…

Discusses the need for early childhood programs to develop strong partnerships with families in order to support each parent's role as his or her child's primary educator and to provide a foundation for ongoing family involvement. Outlines the steps for establishing high-quality parent involvement programs and offers examples of how parents can…

Argues that a family-centered approach is as important and applicable to early care and education programs as it is to family-friendly work environments. Encourages child care settings to incorporate ideas and participation by families, providers, public sector, and private sector in order to provide high-quality services. (SD)

Discusses ways that libraries can improve children's library services, including offering family activities; exposing children to books; creating a secure, comfortable environment; reinforcing and improving self-esteem; offering programs to improve reading skills; and developing imagination. Offers intellectual freedom policies for collection…

Discusses calls for Head Start to expand its services for children from birth to three years and to devise standards for infants and toddlers. Recent policy decisions resulting in such expansion are discussed. The need for Head Start staff involved with infant and toddler care to be trained about infancy is considered in detail. (BG)

Discusses the historical role played by families in early intervention programs, and presents a rationale for current thinking about this role. Recommends practices that recognize and encourage family-directed early childhood education, care, and intervention services. Identifies additional resources. (BB)

Describes Finland's 15-minute method for improving reading skills. Parents are asked to read aloud to their kindergarteners 15 minutes daily, and children are also encouraged to read. Notes are sent between teachers and parents so teachers can provide support. Older students are encouraged to read and listen to younger ones. (SM)

Patrick O'Hearn School in Boston (Massachusetts) has been a model integration elementary school, integrating children with disabilities with regular education students since 1989. Elements of the program include 2 teachers in each classroom of 20 students, a visually impaired principal, a family center, and a planned home visitation program. (JB)

Describes the literacy approach to learning at Cherry Valley Elementary School in Polson, Montana. Strategies include developmentally appropriate practices, child-centered activities, staff leadership teams, individualized reading enrichment, community partnerships, extensive family involvement, and staff development. Sidebar details the…

Discusses the interdependence of criminal justice policy, welfare reform legislation, and kinship foster care in relation to the care of children with incarcerated parents. Explores the impact of these interdependent service organizations on these children, and discusses the characteristics of relative caregivers, their needs, and the support…

This article describes a successful school-based program for students with emotional disturbances served in a special education setting. Program features include a professional training program, development and implementation of a strengths-based plan in which students and families are included as partners, and a method for evaluating the…

Tony Hopson founded and directs Self Enhancement, Inc., a nonprofit program that helps inner-city youth in Portland (Oregon) improve academically and develop talents, skills, values, and attitudes needed to become positive, contributing members of society. The program's success is based on the relationship model, continuity of services,…

Vermont's I-Team has provided technical assistance and training to educational team members serving children with disabilities for 25 years. Characteristics of sustainable human services programs include flexibility, collaborative consultation, consideration and inclusion of families and communities, competent management, on-going training for all…