Many parents want to know how important the quality of care is to children's social, emotional, and academic development. This Digest synthesizes some major recent research on child care quality. First, the Digest explains what features contribute to quality of care. The Digest also explains the differences between studies of how quality is…

Many parents want to know how important the quality of care is to children's social, emotional, and academic development. This digest synthesizes some major recent research on child care quality. First, the digest explains what features contribute to quality of care. The digest also explains the differences between studies of how quality is…

Explores the impact of community violence on the development of young children, especially those with developmental disabilities. Characteristics of young children's responses to stress and trauma are reviewed and child, family, and community factors which contribute to resilience are identified. Intervention approaches are suggested. (Author/DB)

Describes an ethnographic study that focused on what knowledge and strategies children use to become literate in English as a Second Language, what the school influences are on children's literacy learning, and what the home and community influences are on children's literacy learning. (JL)

Draws attention to the prevalence of child abuse in homes, and discusses the extent of the problem--its definition and its physical, behavioral, and environmental indicators. Discusses the child care worker's role in knowing how to report the crime, teaching a child how to prevent it, and combating it by being informed and aware personnel. (BAC)

The article discusses self-esteem as the key to parenting a successful, happy child. It notes ways parents can help foster self-esteem starting at a very early age. Ten suggestions for building a child's self-esteem, developed by the National PTA, are listed. (SM)

Examined whether maternal behavior at Time 1 would be associated with sibling interaction at Time 2, and whether the quality of sibling interactions would be associated. Found that both mothers and children influenced the quality of sibling relationships over time. (SD)

Article outlines potential strategies for reducing the disproportionate rate of firearm accidents among low-income children. Suggests this problem stems from risky gun storage practices that are in response to high rates of victimization and fear of crime. Discusses the role that child behavior therapy can have in reducing the risk of firearm…

This study investigated the contributions of maternal education and ethnicity to three dimensions of home-based parental involvement in young children's education and development: parental expectations about educational attainment, children's activities at home and outside the home, and family routines. Controlling for family background variables…

Investing in children reduces poverty and strengthens the nation's economy. But how does one determine which investments in children yield the greatest benefits over the long term? In this paper, Voices for America's Children examines the effectiveness of select education and intervention programs that demonstrate proven results and desirable…

This national and state-by-state study reports on the well-being of America's children and promotes discussion on ways to secure better futures for all kids. The Data Book ranks states on 10 key indicators and provides information on child health, education, and family economic conditions. This year, the Annie E. Casey Foundation also explores how…

The adversities that today's families face are well-documented and staggering. Even in the midst of tough times, however, many families are able to display resilience. Family resilience refers to the coping mechanisms the family uses as a functional unit to recover from life's setbacks. In this article, the authors present guidelines for creating…

Background: Family quality of life (FQOL), as a family outcome measure of early intervention and other services, has increasingly drawn attention of researchers, policymakers and service providers. Developing an index of "family" QOL requires a measure suitable for use with multiple family members. The purpose of this study was to test whether…

In order to help school-age English language learners (ELLs) develop the literacy competencies required for success at school, it is important to recognize and draw on the repertoires of literacy practices that students develop outside school. The concept of multiple literacies provides an analytic heuristic with which to consider the range of…

The study examined the interaction between the developmental condition of nonhandicapped and handicapped children and the psychosocial climate of the home. Mothers of 34 nonhandicapped, 22 Down syndrome, and 18 language impaired children (mean ages 3.5 years) participated in a study which used the Family Environment Scale (FES) to evaluate the…