A recent analysis of Even Start, the federal family literacy program, has concluded that the relative emphasis in many local programs has shifted too far toward background issues of family functioning and too far away from focused efforts to enhance literacy skills (Haslam, 1998). In keeping with this analysis, the time seems to be right for a…

Describes an early intervention prekindergarten program for at-risk students stressing staff unity, a curriculum rich in developmentally appropriate activities, cooperative and mastery learning techniques, collaboration with teachers in the primary grades, intense parental involvement, and a comprehensive program evaluation. (MLH)

Examines the stated goals and outcomes of early childhood and child care programs. Uses a functional perspective in which actual outcomes are analyzed as functions to compare child care with early childhood education. Discusses the ideology of each type of program and examines the positive and negative aspects of amalgamating early childhood care…

Reports the outcomes of a 16-month leadership training program for Head Start teachers and directors. Based on pre- and posttraining measures, documents the outcomes related to (1) participants' level of perceived competence; (2) the quality of teaching practices in participants' classrooms; and (3) the quality of work life for participants at…

Provides a comparative analysis of the Perry Preschool project, an experimental program that delivered high quality preschool education to 58 at-risk, African American children, and the national Head Start preschool program. Finds that each program has unique strengths and weaknesses. (MDM)

Effects of preschool education beyond increase in intelligence quotient (IQ) are explored. The conclusion that preschool programs engender relatively few lasting beyond-IQ effects is challenged by L. J. Schweinhart and D. P. Weikart in their response contending that preschool education enhances general competence throughout life. (SLD)

The article describes the Hollingworth Preschool at Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, which serves intellectually precocious young children. Covered are the preschool goals, screening and identification procedures, curriculum, play, interdisciplinary units of study, problem solving, parent involvement, the school's relationship to…

Reviews extant research on children's social skills, including their ability to modulate their feelings, their social cognitions, and their behaviors within the context of peer interaction, as measures of social competence. Examines definitions of social competence in light of assessments of children's performance. Offers policy recommendations…

Two studies examined nutritional differences between home breakfasts and breakfasts served at preschool following School Breakfast Program guidelines and evaluated nutritional impact of program participation on 4-year olds' preacademic performance. Results indicated that breakfast intake was altered under school breakfast conditions. Performance…

Assessed home visit quality in an Early Head Start program using measures developed in collaboration with program staff. Found that parent ratings were high, indicating customer satisfaction with home visiting. Families perceived by staff as improving the most had home visitors observed as most effective at engaging parents and involving parent…

This paper presents a profile of Maine's Quality for ME prepared as part of the Child Care Quality Rating System (QRS) Assessment Study. The profile consists of several sections and their corresponding descriptions including: (1) Program Information; (2) Rating Details; (3) Quality Indicators for Center-Based Programs; (4) Indicators for Family…

This paper presents a profile of Palm Beach's Quality Counts prepared as part of the Child Care Quality Rating System (QRS) Assessment Study. The profile consists of several sections and their corresponding descriptions including: (1) Program Information; (2) Rating Details; (3) Quality Indicators for Center-Based Programs; (4) Indicators for…

This paper presents a profile of Missouri's Quality Rating System prepared as part of the Child Care Quality Rating System (QRS) Assessment Study. The profile consists of several sections and their corresponding descriptions including: (1) Program Information; (2) Rating Details; (3) Quality Indicators for Center-Based Programs; (4) Indicators for…