This section
addresses individual, family and community factors that influence
the development and well-being of children from the prenatal
period through the first five years of life.
Included
are data on the status of young children, discussion of key
developmental issues from birth to five, research findings
on factors associated with healthy growth and development,
and information about proven or promising strategies to promote
good outcomes for young children and their families.
Administration for Children and
Families: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is responsible
for Federal programs that promote the economic and social well-being
of families, children, individuals, and communities. ACF oversees
and finances a broad range of activities in partnership with state,
local, and tribal governmental agencies. These agencies provide direct
services and assistance to children, youth, families, persons with
developmental disabilities, refugees, migrants, Native Americans,
legalized aliens, and others eligible to receive help under ACF legislative
authorities.
American Academy of Child and Adolescent
Psychiatry
This site is designed to serve both AACAP Members, and Parents and
Families. Information is provided as a public service to aid in the
understanding and treatment of the developmental, behavioral, and
mental disorders which affect an estimated 7 to 12 million children
and adolescents at any given time in the United States.
Child Trends
Child Trends is dedicated to improving the lives of children and
families by providing research and data to inform decision-making
that affects children.
Children Now
The organization works to improve the quality of news and entertainment
media both for children and about children's issues.
Children’s Defense
Fund
The mission of the Children's Defense Fund is to Leave No Child Behind
and to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start,
a Safe Start, and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to
adulthood with the help of caring families and communities.
Children’s
Mental Health
On January 3, 2001, David Satcher, MD, PhD, Assistant Secretary for
Health and Surgeon General, relates a National Action Agenda for Children’s
Mental Health, which outlines goals and strategies to improve the
services for children and adolescents with mental health problems
and their families.
Clearinghouse on Elementary and
Early Childhood Education (ERIC Educational Resources Information
Center)
The Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) is a national
information system designed to provide users with resources and information
on education.
Early
Childhood Education in Minnesota
Build Initiative’s background briefing about the status of
Minnesota’s early childhood care and education. This report
covers: currently available measures of children’s school readiness;
leadership on the issue on Minnesota; public engagement; resources
and financing; recent proposals for policy reform; available programs
and services; and quality measures.
Early Head Start National Resource
Center
The Early Head Start National Resource Center (EHS NRC) was created
in 1995 by the Head Start Bureau (HSB), Administration for Children
and Families (ACYF) and is currently operated by ZERO TO THREE, Washington,
DC, in collaboration with WestEd of Sausilito, CA.
Frank Porter Graham Child Development
Center
The Frank Porter Graham Child Development Center is one of the nation's
oldest multidisciplinary centers for the study of young children and
their families. Research and education activities focus on child development
and health, especially factors that may put children at risk for developmental
problems.
Future of Children
The primary purpose of The Future of Children is to disseminate timely
information on major issues related to children's well-being, with
special emphasis on providing objective analysis and evaluation, translating
existing knowledge into effective programs and policies, and promoting
constructive institutional change.
National Association for the Education
of Young Children
NAEYC is the nation’s largest organization of early childhood
educators and others dedicated to improving the quality of programs
for children from birth through third. The Web site offers many resources
related to early education.
National Center for
Children and Families
The National Center for Children and Families (NCCF) advances the
policy, education, and development of children and their families.
Housed at Teachers College, Columbia University, the Center produces
and applies interdisciplinary research to improve practice and to
raise public awareness of social issues that affect the well-being
of America's children and families.
National Head Start Association
National Head Start Association provides a national forum for the
continued enhancement of Head Start services for poor children ages
0 through 5, and their families. It is the only national organization
dedicated exclusively to the concerns of the Head Start community.
National Institute for Early Education
Research
The National Institute for Early Education Research supports early
childhood education initiatives by providing objective, nonpartisan
information based on research.
National Network for Child Care
NNCC unites the expertise of many of the nation's leading universities
through the outreach system of Cooperative Extension. The goal is
to share knowledge about children and child care from the vast resources
of the land-grant universities with parents, professionals, practitioners,
and the general public.
Promising Practices
Network (PPN)
The Promising Practices Network (PPN) Web site highlights programs
and practices that credible research indicates are effective in improving
outcomes for children, youth, and families. The information offered
is organized around three major areas: Proven and Promising Programs,
Research in Brief, and Strengthening Service Delivery.
Talaris Research Institute
Discover how children think, feel, and learn -- and what parents
and caregivers can do in the first five years of life to support their
healthy development. This website provides useful research-based tools
and helpful parenting tips.
Zero to Three
ZERO TO THREE is the nation's leading resource on the first three
years of life. It is a national non-profit charitable organization
whose aim is to strengthen and support families, practitioners and
communities to promote the healthy development of babies and toddlers.
