This occasional paper is the seventh in a series on the National Quality Framework (NQF). It explores the quality of children's education and care services based on the socio-economic status of the area in which they are situated. The Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) Index of Relative Socio-Economic Advantage and Disadvantage (IRSAD) is…

The conversation about young children and their use of technology has dramatically changed over the past ten years in the early childhood education community and in the general public. It appears the debate has moved forward from the question posed by Vail (2001) in her article titled, "How Young Is Too Young? When It Comes to Computer Use,…

Physical activity (PA) parenting, or strategies parents use to promote PA in children, has been associated with increased PA in children of all ages, including preschool-aged children. However, little is known about the circumstances under which parents adopt such behaviors. This study examined family ecological factors associated with PA…

"Kids Count in Colorado!" is an annual publication of the Colorado Children's Campaign, which provides the best available state- and county-level data to measure and track the education, health and general well-being of the state's children. "Kids Count in Colorado!" informs policy debates and community discussions, serving as…

Describes the safety of the U.S. food supply, discusses the causes of food-borne illness, and provides a food-safety checklist for child-care centers that covers safe food shopping, storage, preparation, serving, and clean-up. (KB)

A New Zealand program was designed to reduce burn and scald hazards in the home. Seven groups of parents and caregivers of preschool children participated. Three months after the program, selected participants had sustained 68% of the positive practice changes they had made. Evaluation also noted barriers to participant change and strengths and…

This pamphlet offers a collection of items relating to child health in the day care setting. Included is an overview of a collaborative project to develop a comprehensive set of national standards for health, nutrition, safety, and sanitation in child care programs. Contents of the project's resource kit, "Keeping Kids Healthy and Parents at…

Parents can make better decisions regarding a care setting for their toddler when they have information about how toddlers learn and about quality programs for toddlers. This brochure provides information to parents on how toddlers learn through play, exploration, and observation; the importance of toddlers learning at their own pace; and the role…

Argues that playgrounds must provide all children with opportunities for physical, social, constructive, dramatic, and game play. Suggests that considerations include playground regulations, safety, age appropriate areas, accommodation of children with physical disabilities, materials selection, construction, available manufactured play equipment,…

Telephone survey examined relationships between safety behaviors to reduce the risk of childhood injury and parents' socioeconomic, psychosocial, and situational characteristics. Results indicated socioeconomic status and maternal stress negatively related to safety behaviors, and risk perceptions positively related to safety behaviors, suggesting…

Presents strategies for Head Start programs to use to help parents ensure their children's health, safety, and well-being. Recommends creative approaches such as lending libraries, bulletin boards, displays, take-home information sheets, conferences, small group discussions, and newsletters. Describes the parent health education program at the…

The article discusses mainstreaming of students with HIV/AIDS into physical education classes, describing HIV/AIDS conditions and presenting facts about prevalence, concerns related to the preschool and school-aged population, risks associated with the gym, safety precautions, and issues of confidentiality. (SM)

This article addresses the health and safety risks associated with child care facilities, including injuries and infectious diseases. Related health education needs for child care providers, parents, and children are examined, and recommendations for health educators are provided. (SM)

Intended to build on emergency response training that Head Start staff receive, this guide assists staff and parents in understanding the causes of childhood injuries, and planning steps to more effectively prevent and manage children's injuries in the Head Start program, at home, and in the community. Following an introductory section, the guide…

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act requires each state to submit a biennial plan to implement the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). This report is based on the approved State Plans for the period October 1, 1999 to September 30, 2001. The analysis includes information from 48 states, the District of Columbia,…