Triads composed of a mother and two children from either a nonadoptive or an adoptive family were observed in play settings in the home. Genetic factors were found to influence differences in sibling interactions and maternal interactions with siblings. Environmental factors also had an influence. (BC)

Expresses concern with prevailing models that suggest comprehensive assessment across all areas of family strengths and needs for Individual Family Service Plan development for families of young children with disabilities. Issues of instrument development and use, the types and nature of early intervention services provided, and the role of…

The study followed up, at preschool age, 39 high-risk infants who had received infant stimulation services for at least 6 months. Results indicated positive developmental progress by the children and the provision, by most parents, of an average to above average environment. Families had remained relatively intact. (DB)

Examined the relation between three-year-olds' conversations about feeling states and their ability to recognize emotions at six years. Differences in discourse about feelings were correlated with later ability to recognize emotions. Associations were independent of children's verbal ability and the frequency of talk in the families. (BC)

Parents (N=3283) of infants and young children with or at-risk for developmental delays completed one of two surveys of learning opportunities, either in the home or in the community. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that both family and community life were each made up of 11 different categories of learning opportunities. Results support…

A three-dimensional model is used to compare various approaches to natural environment interventions. The model distinguishes between practices that are contextually or noncontextually based, adult or child directed, and practitioner or nonpractitioner implemented. One approach (practitioner implemented, adult directed) has increasingly been…

Young children with chronic illness who attend our early childhood facilities and schools have very special needs. They are more likely to encounter academic challenges and to have peer and emotional difficulties than are their healthy peers. As well, their families are frequently undergoing intense stress. The challenge to educators is to ensure…

This article reports on findings from a research study that set out to identify factors that enable children considered to be able by their teachers to extend and develop their literacy. The data substantiated much that is already known about the significance of preschool home influences on the emergence of literacy. It underlined the importance…

The relationship between marital distress and children's level of functioning was examined in a study in which children were observed in peer and family interactions. Couples were considered distressed if both partners scored below the mean on the Marital Adjustment Test. The subjects were members of five families with distressed couples and eight…

In summarizing the results of naturalistic observations of children, it is often useful to have a reading of the child's overall deviance and the responses of social agents to these deviant behaviors. Traditionally, investigators have categorized a series of child behaviors as deviant based solely on their own assumptions with no empirical basis…

Recent research suggests that home story reading by parents may be more effective than the traditional group story reading in preschools and primary classes. Teachers should provide young children with shared book experiences to stimulate literacy interests in a familiar context and relaxed setting. Cites 27 references. (MLH)

Literature dealing with parent involvement in home-based therapeutic programs for young developmentally disabled children is reviewed. Although research suggests such home based programs can be effective, professionals should carefully consider their expectations of parents as therapists, since they must also play the role of parents and primary…

Discusses the interactive effect of social networks and support systems on parent-child relationships and early childhood development. Suggests that greater attention to family ecology is needed, and raises a number of questions regarding the delivery of comprehensive health services for children and their families. (CJM)

Researchers observed and rated environments of 80 early childhood settings in Australia, interviewed staff, and conducted focus group discussions with family members regarding early childhood literacy. Case study findings indicated that in settings with strong levels of congruence between family and staff perspectives on early literacies, both…

This introductory paper identifies critical issues related to organization of caregiving environments for young children with handicaps, including physical and programmatic features, transitions between activities, transition between special preschool and kindergarten settings, classroom organization, the social-physical environment, the home…