Assessment of the expectations of families with handicapped (N=9) and nonhandicapped (N=50) young children before and after the introduction of handicapped children into a day care center revealed both groups felt that greatest benefits were derived from exposing children to the "real" world and promoting acceptance of handicapped children.…

Presents eight synthesis points from the Early Childhood Research Institute on Inclusion. Notes that: inclusion is about belonging and participating in a diverse society; individuals define inclusion differently; inclusion beliefs influence implementation; programs should be ready for inclusion; collaboration is the cornerstone to effective…

Child care programs serving children with disabilities should balance high quality care for children, affordable fees to parents, and fair wages for staff. A chart detailing child-to-staff ratios in day care centers and number of children allowed in family day care by state is included. (DB)

This comment on "Extending the 'Comfort Zone' To Include Every Child" (Giangreco) defends research on teachers' comfort levels with young children with disabilities. The importance of asking teachers about their concerns regarding inclusive placements in order to meet teachers' needs for information, training, and support is emphasized. (CR)

First listing and discussing optimal features of playthings for early childhood education, this reference book subsequently describes play activities and equipment appropriate for infant and toddler day care programs as well as specially designed equipment for exceptional children. A chart indicating age-appropriate play and classroom equipment…

Camp Fire's Special Sitters Project addresses the need for respite care experienced by parents of disabled children. The project trains teenagers to care for young handicapped children and links the teenagers with parents who call for babysitting service. The project has been successfully replicated in five communities. (Author/JDD)

This document comprises the five 1997-1988 issues of a newsletter published to disseminate information and resources to child care providers and administrators. The Fall 1997 issue discusses advocating on behalf of children. It lists five steps to take to speak out for children. The Winter 1997-1998 issue discusses mentoring. Mentoring programs…

Reviews the status of present and proposed dependent care tax credit legislation and considers the special needs of families supporting vulnerable dependents. (RH)

The Carolina Approach to Responsive Education is a comprehensive multidisciplinary educational program for preschool children and their families based on a general systems theory of development which includes such features as small groups, experienced staff, male role models, volunteers, medical care, playgrounds, field trips, home visits, and a…

Comments on "Assessing the Comfort Zone of Child Care Teachers in Serving Young Children with Disabilities" (Buysse and others) and questions using children's characteristics as the basis for determining teachers' comfort levels. The possible use of comfort level data in denying access to educational placements is discussed. (CR)

These two fact sheets, written for crisis nurseries and respite care programs serving children with disabilities, provide information on the value of volunteers and the importance of insurance coverage for program volunteers. "Volunteers: A Valuable Resource" (Becky Montgomery, Nancy Smith) gives guidelines on screening, selecting,…

A study assessed the attitudes of 52 general early childhood teachers serving young children with disabilities in inclusive early childhood settings. Findings indicated teachers' comfort levels decreased as the severity of the child's disability increased and were lowest when the child had severe disabilities in leg functioning, muscle tone, and…

Presents a set of questions that can be used to (1) assess the classroom or center as a play-promoting environment; (2) set goals for the play portion of the curriculum; (3) begin a discussion of play with other staff members; or (4) help teachers think about the play of particular children. (BB)

This document consists of the first three issues (1997 output) or the serial "Early Development." The publisher of this journal, the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, has more than 60 state and federally funded projects, most of which focus on early childhood development of…

Tests hypotheses that social and object skills can be equated for cognitive complexity and that correlations between measures organized according to levels are high for all samples spanning the developmental range. Cognitive levels of both object and social skills were assessed for 50 normal and 34 handicapped children. Hypotheses were confirmed.…