Discusses the inherent inequalities of the child-care and education system in the United States, in which the middle and upper classes have access to well-funded private and community institutions, while the lower class has to make do with substandard and compensatory programs, such as Head Start, which are often poorly funded. (MDM)

Examined effect of toddler temperament on caregiver-toddler interaction in child care. Found that children classified as difficult attracted significantly more attention, not necessarily positive, from caregivers. Children rated as easy were overlooked more often than others. Children's sociability/withdrawal made little difference to caregiver…

Details the methods and findings to date of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development study of early child care. Findings concern economic factors and maternal attitudes associated with use, program characteristics associated with positive caregiving and child outcomes, the importance of family factors, program quality, and…

Discusses the reasons why children are involved in court proceedings and the effects of the experience on their well-being, especially for children who are victims or witnesses to criminal activity, violence, and abuse. Drop-in child day care is discussed as a possible program model to support families and counteract the risks to children. (MDM)

Examines the development and operation of sponsored day care services in 12 English local authorities within the context of current policy developments. Suggests that provision for children in need is at risk for marginalization by current emphases on early education/child care for working parents. Highlights importance of developing services for…

This report is an interim statistical report, addressing characteristics of the Starting Points Preschool Program in Louisiana, and containing information on children who were enrolled in 1993-94. The Starting Points Preschool Program was initiated in 1992-93 through the United States Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 in order to…

Recounts two stories told about life in early childhood centers/schools that reflect the drama played out in the lives of children and teachers to explore the relationship between research and researcher. The stories illustrate three themes: children's agency and power relationships, identity and multiple identities, and the role of early…

Describes a collaborative shared-reading project associated with an early-intervention program which provided pediatric day health care for young children identified as medically and/or environmentally at-risk. Consumer-oriented outcome data suggested that the project was effective in both empowering the caregivers as facilitators of emergent…

Explores provision of early childhood services, particularly day care, within the framework of welfare policies and the concept of need. Outlines the development of day care policy in Britain and considers how, within current policy of targeting children with "need," local authorities might make provision available to a wider range of…

Implemented a social-emotional intervention for at-risk 4-year-olds in seven day-care classes. Teachers were trained to perform activities associated with relationship building. Compared to children who did not experience the intervention, children who had it were observed showing decreases in negative emotion, greater involvement, and more…

Children who grow up in violent communities are at risk for pathological development because growing up in a constant state of apprehension makes it difficult to establish trust, autonomy, and social competence. Child care professionals need to help at-risk children develop meaningful relationships with adults and peers. (MDM)

In Texas, the Family Involvement in Education Program offered adult education classes and parenting meetings to parents while developmental day care and tutoring were provided to children. Home visits and family field trips complemented the instruction. (SK)

Examines research findings on the resilience of infants and toddlers raised in poverty and stress. Describes the personal and environmental resilience characteristics of infancy and toddlerhood that are related to later resilience in middle childhood and adulthood. Highlights research findings significant for policymakers and caregivers, offering…

Summarizes a Federal Ministry of Youth report on the conditions under which children grow up in Germany. Notes manifold problems that children face under today's living conditions. Presents recommendations and suggestions for providing a network of measures, relationships, and institutions to support children's development and education in family,…

The comprehensive study of California's child care delivery system reported in this document was designed to: (1) identify the unmet child care needs of California families; (2) develop a comprehensive vision of quality child care services; (3) examine the inefficiencies in the current system; (4) and draft specific recommendations for federal,…