One of 10 documents developed for preschool programs for handicapped children, the manual focuses on the use of parent volunteers (or paraprofessionals) in the classroom. The introduction examines the program's purpose and rationale, provides an overview of the parent volunteer system, and considers recommended setting, and the appropriateness of…

This booklet provides suggestions for organizing programs and workshops for parents of children in cooperative preschools. Workshop topics, suggestions for selecting speakers, and ways to encourage the attendance of fathers are discussed. A checklist to use in preparing for a workshop or conference includes reminders on arrangements for…

Describes the nature and function of preschool playgroups in the United Kingdom, highlighting recent trends in financing, facilities, qualifications of volunteer staff, and parent participation. Also discussed are offerings of the Preschool Playgroups Association such as educational materials, courses and training on running playgroups, and a…

The article illustrates how social change for individuals with disabilities can be made through the legislative process. The author recounts a four-year process that concluded with the passage of legislation for a preschool program for handicapped children supported by an appropriation of one million dollars. (Author/CL)

A utilization-focused approach was adopted to evaluate a program that involved establishing three experimental under-fives coordinator's poets in one of the shire counties. An illuminative model of evaluation was used, with a focus on process rather than solely on outcomes. (BW)

A survey of 34 Minnesota early intervention programs for young handicapped children found that home visits are extensively utilized for parent programming while the child is under age three, with alternative options for involvement, education, and support offered by much smaller proportions of the program. (Author/CL)

Describes the Sumner Mobile Preschool program designed to help parents recognize the potential learning possibilities of a home-based pre-school program. Small groups of seven to ten children attend class in one of seven neighborhood homes in which the preschool meets. (CS)

An innovative undertaking uses the home setting for a program involving both preschool age children and their parents. (Author)

Describes the California State Preschool Program and its success with disadvantaged children. (MF)

Article describes changes that occurred in children and parents who participated in a preschool intervention program. (Author)

Looks at evaluations of the program to frame a discussion of the troubled history of Head Start and its current favored position. (IRT)

Considers the sacrifices parents make to give their children some pre-school education, where the state offers them none. (Editor/RK)

Survey responses from 311 British parents involved in preschool groups show that participating parents gain social contacts, increased confidence in parenting, knowledge of child development, experience in managing groups, and greater community involvement. (SK)

Highlights some of the activities involved in the celebration of Head Start's twenty-fifth anniversary. (BB)

In October 1993, Kansas City Head Start project created Full Start, a pilot project with two neighborhood child care centers. Full Start is an expansion program to enable a wider range of needy children otherwise not eligible for Head Start to benefit from comprehensive services. Full Start parents are treated as equal partners participating in…