Families and Early Childhood Programs. Research Monographs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, Volume 3

• Main Author: Powell, Douglas R
• Format: Book
• Language: English
• Published: National Association for the Education of Young Children 1989
• Subjects: Child Rearing; Developmental Continuity; Early Childhood Education; Family (Sociological Unit); Family School Relationship; Outcomes of Education; Parent Education; Parent Participation; Research Needs
• ISBN: 9780935989229; 0935989226

This monograph reviews information on relations between families and early childhood programs, and on the operation and effectiveness of parent education and support programs. The introductory chapter provides a framework by setting forth the major rationales for working with parents, by describing recent developments regarding relations between families and early childhood programs, and by identifying persistent problems confronting the early childhood field regarding relations with families. Chapter 2 examines research and theoretical perspectives on continuity between families and early childhood programs. Most recommended practices and rationales regarding collaboration between programs and families stem from concern about the continuity of children's socialization experiences. Three prevailing assumptions about program-family continuity are considered. In Chapter 3, the nature and effects of relations between parents and a variety of early childhood programs are examined. Chapter 4 reviews research on the methods and effects of both home- and center-based programs that attempt to enhance the child-rearing role of families with young children. In Chapter 5, promising directions for program practices and research are suggested. Nearly 250 references are cited. (RH)