Describes the federal Children's Health Insurance Program, designed to provide free or low-cost health insurance to children in uninsured families with low or moderate incomes. Outlines state innovations in providing outreach to eligible families. Maintains that active early-childhood community involvement is critical to state's efforts to reach…

Maintains that, as with previous generations in the early childhood profession, the current generation of early childhood educators must continue to advocate for the lives of young children and their families, thereby serving as guides for future generations of early childhood professions. (BB)

Reports on teachers' responses to a hypothetical case study of an ethical dilemma occurring in an early childhood setting that concerned a child with a possibly contagious disease. Discusses the use of the National Association for the Education of Young Children's code of ethics to resolve problems in everyday practice. (TJQ)

Reviews what is known about the factors that influence child's food-acceptance patterns, including children's sensory responsiveness, innate preferences, and ability to learn about food; the consequences of eating; and the effect of child-feeding practices on children's food-acceptance patterns. Suggests that early experience contributes to the…

Suggests that, considering the many benefits to mothers, babies, and caregivers, maintaining the breastfeeding relationship is an important aspect of quality child care. Provides an extended list of breastfeeding advantages. Proposes that care providers should fully realize the positive difference breastfeeding can make, encourage mothers' choice…

Argues a violent society adversely affects the development of young children, and caregivers must play a healing role in caring for children. Examines how violence affects children's sense of self, a child's relationships with others, and a child's world view. Supports building worthwhile relationships with parents and providing a safe haven. (SD)

Proposes measures intended to help the nation meet the national educational goal of having each child start school "ready to learn" by 2000. Measures concern children's health; quality preschools; parent participation; responsive workplaces; educational television; proposed "neighborhoods for learning"; interactions across…

Presents information on physical activity levels in young children. Provides guidelines for appropriately promoting physical activity in early childhood classrooms, focusing on movement concepts of body, space, effort, and relationship. Includes appropriate teaching strategies and activities. Concludes that guided movement instruction helps…

Argues that educators of young children need to prioritize exercise in their students' lives to enhance physical and psychological health. Guides teachers in creating developmentally appropriate exercise, creative movement activities, movement and make believe activities, and health stops. Provides specific daily activities, references, and…

Discusses the services that resource and referral agencies and early childhood programs in centers and family child care homes can provide to meet the health and developmental needs of young children. Describes the ways in which reimbursement can be obtained from Medicaid when the services are provided for eligible children and families. (BB)

Discusses ways for early childhood professionals to meet the objectives contained in the first of the National Education Goals for the Year 2000: the goal concerning readiness for school. (BB)