The Resources section of the training guide Transitions: Parents Are Key is designed to be used with the Action Tools. In addition, these resources can be used independently as quick reference materials for those seeking information and examples of effective transition practice.
Ames, Carole, Madhab Khoju, and Thomas Watkins. Parent Involvement: The Relationship
between Home-to-School Communication and Parents' Perceptions and Beliefs. Baltimore, MD:
Center on Families, Communities, Schools & Children's Learning, 1993.This research report emphasizes the importance of strong home-school-community communications. It demonstrates how the attitude and involvement of parents affects the child's school success. To order a copy, call 1-410-516-8808 or fax 1-410-516-8890.
Belim, Dan, Marcy Whitebook, and Patty ilnatiuk. The Early Childhood Mentoring Curriculum:
A Handbook for Mentors. Washington, DC: Center for the Child Care Workforce, 1997.This resource book and curriculum for mentors in the early childhood field provides information, exercises, and tools for enhancing skills. A self evaluation checklist and other self assessment tools are included. To order a copy, call 1-202-737-7700 or fax 1-202-737-0370.
Belim, Dan, Marcy Whitebook, and Patty Hnatiuk. The Early Childhood Mentoring Cumculum:
Trainer's Guide. Washington, DC: Center for the Child Care Workforce, 1997.This trainer's guide provides a curriculum for training early childhood teachers as mentors. It pro motes training those in the field to be leaders and early childhood advocates. To order a copy, call 1-202-737-7700 or fax 1-202-737-0370.
Bickert, Toni, Diane Trister Dodge, and Judy R. Jablon. What Every Parent Needs to Know
about 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Grades. Washington, DC: Teaching Strategies, Inc., 1997.This parent guide to the early grades illustrates how teachers use their knowledge of child develop ment to make learning interesting and meaningful. Parents can learn how their children become readers and writers, how they learn other subjects, how to talk with teachers about what their children are learning, and how to help with homework. To order a copy, call 1-800-637-3650.
Brady, S., and B. Rous. Meeting the Challenge: Transition Resources for Parents of Young
Children with Special Developmental Needs. Lexington, KY: Child Development Centers of the
Bluegrass, 1994.This annotated bibliography describes transition-related resources and provides ordering informa tion. Resources are divided into four categories: early childhood programs, public schools, after- school transitions, and life transitions. To order a copy, call 1-757-566-3300.
Building Community: How to Start a Family Center in Your School. Baltimore, MD: Center on Families, Communities, Schools and Children's Learning, 1996. (Videotape)
This twenty-minute video shows family centers in action. It can be purchased separately or as part of the Family Center Starter Kit. To order a copy, call 1-410-516-8808.
Carter, Nick, and Lauren Kahn. See How We Grow: A Report on the Status of Parenting Educa tion in the U.S. Philadelphia, PA: The Pew Charitable Trusts, 1996.
This book provides background information on the purpose and challenges of developing effective parenting education programs. Programs are profiled and discussed to provide the reader with ex amples of various models. To order a copy, call 1-215-575-9050 or fax 1-215-575-4939.
Chandler, Lynette K., Susan A. Fowler, Sarah Hadden, and Lisa Stahurski. Planning Your
Child's Transition to Preschool: A Step-by-Step Guide for Families. Champaign, IL: FACTS/
LRE Project, College of Education, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1995.This booklet provides families with the tools and resources needed to plan for transitions. An appen dix contains twelve handouts on topics such as family involvement in transition planning, participa tion on a transition team, and a sample transition timeline. To order a copy, call 1-217-333-4123.
Chang, Hedy Nai-Lin, with Dora Puildo. "The Critical Importance of Cultural and Linguistic Continuity for Infants and Toddlers." ZERO TO THREE, October/November 1994, pp. 13—17.
This article explains how infants and toddlers learn about their culture through daily interactions. It offers suggestions to help caregivers develop cultural sensitivity and resolve conflicts with parents that result from cultural differences in child rearing. It explores the value of linguistic and cultural continuity. To order a copy, call 1-800-899-4301.
Community Action Toolkit. Washington, DC: National Education Goals Panel, 1995.
This multimedia toolkit provides an overview of the National Education Goals and recommendations for developing effective community and school initiatives. Materials in the boxed set include: camera ready handouts; a WordPerfect pc computer disk version; an audiotape of public service announce ments; and five booklets. Booklets included are titled: Community Organizing Guide; Local Goals Reporting Handbook; Guide to Getting Out Your Message; and Resource Directory. To order the toolkit, call 1-202-724-0015.
Decker, Larry E., and Mary Richardson Boo. Community Schools: Linking Home, School and
Community. Fairfax, VA: National Community Education Association, 1996.This booklet provides an explanation of how community schools are different from traditional schools. It outlines the goals and educational philosophy of community schools. It offers suggestions for getting started and developing the program. To order a copy, call 1-703-359-8973.
Dianda, Marcella, and Ann McLaren. A Pocket Guide to Building Partnerships for Student
Learning. Washington, DC: National Education Association's Center for Innovation, 1996.This booklet provides educators with a rationale for developing ongoing school-family-community partnerships. It describes sample practices for six types of involvement and specific suggestions for NEA local associations. To order a copy, call 1-202-822-7350.
Dodge, Diane Trister, and Joanna Phinney. A Parent's Guide to Early Childhood Education.
Washington, DC: Teaching Strategies, Inc., 1990.This booklet about the Creative Curriculum includes easy-to-understand examples of how children learn through play, the environment, the daily schedule, conversations, and home activities. Examples of statements parents can use to extend children's learning at home are given. To order a copy, call 1-800-637-3652.
Elovson, Allana Cummings. The Kindergarten Survival Handbook: The Before School Checklist & A Guide for Parents. Santa Monica, CA: Parent Education Resources, 1993.
This parent guide provides a checklist of skills a child needs to be ready for kindergarten. It also offers tips to help parents prepare their child for school. A Spanish-language version is available under the title El Manual de Como Sobrevir el Jardin des Ninos. To order a copy, call 1-310-458-9758.
Harding, Nadine. "Family Journals: The Bridge from School to Home and Back Again." Young Children, January 1996, pp. 27-30.
This article provides information for teachers on using family journals to help link home and school. It gives examples of how one teacher used this strategy to learn more about her students. To order a copy, call 1-800-424-2460.
A Head Start Handbook of the Parent Involvement Vision and Strategies. Washington, DC: U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services, 1996.This handbook gives program staff background information on parent involvement. It outlines specific strategies for recruitment, enrollment, orientation, and family goal-setting to help involve parents as they transition into the program. Additional strategies strengthen experiences and capaci ties parents need as they transition out of the program. To order a copy, write Head Start Publication Management, P.O. Box 26417, Alexandria, VA 22313-0417; or fax 1-703-683-5769.
Henderson, Anne. Parents Are Powerful. Washington, DC: Center for Law and Education, 1996.
This parent booklet explains what children should learn at each developmental stage. It also demon strates how parents can be advocates at different educational levels and provides specific information on parent rights. The booklet also provides concise information on federal education programs, including Title I programs, IDEA, Vocational Education, and School-To-Work. To order a copy, call 1-202-986-3000.
Johnson, Vivian R. Family Center Guidebook. Baltimore, MD: Center on Families, Communi ties, Schools and Children's Learning, 1996.
This user-friendly resource book includes suggestions, quotes, and examples of successful family centers around the country. It can be ordered separately or as part of the Family Center Starter Kit. To order a copy, call 1-410-516-8808.
Kagan, Sharon L., and Barbara T. Bowman, eds. Leadership in Early Care and Education. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children, 1997.
This book demonstrates the importance of developing leadership in early childhood educators and parents. It explains how parents are leaders within the home and provides strategies for developing a family-support environment that helps parents become leaders in the program and the community. To order a copy, call 1-800-424-2460.
Leaders' Guide to Parent and Family Involvement. Chicago, IL: National PTA, 1996.
This booklet is written for parent leaders interested in building parent involvement in schools. It provides background information and practical advice and includes a resource list of organizations and publications. To order a copy, call 1-800-307-4782.
Linking Our Voices. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1997. (Videotape and facilitator's guide.)
This training program for policy council representatives helps parents understand their decision- making role in the program. The videotape includes interviews with policy council parents who have benefited from their involvement. In addition to providing guidance for trainers, the guide provides a separate packet of participants' handouts. To order a copy, write Head Start Publication Management, P.O. Box 26417, Alexandria, VA 22313-0417-or fax 1-703-683-5769.
Listen, Discuss and Act: Parents' and Teachers' Views on Education Reform. Denver, CO:
Education Commission of the States, 1996.This report reflects the information gathered from educational surveys and focus groups held with parents and teachers nationwide. It helps provide a new perspective on school reform and how to address barriers to involving parents in schools. The information is summarized in colorful and easy- to-understand charts. To order a copy, call 1-303-299-3692.
Little Beginnings: Starting Your Child on a Lifetime of Learning: The First Five Years.
Alexandria, VA: National Association of Elementary School Principals, 1992.This booklet suggests home learning activities parents can use with children from birth to age five. It also provides an overview of skills important for school success. To order a single free copy, call 1-800-967-5325.
The Little Things Make a Big Difference: How to Help Your Children Succeed in School.
Alexandria, VA: National Association of Elementary School Principals, 1991.This booklet suggests home learning activities parents can use with school age children. It explains the importance of family work habits, parents' support of academics, and family expectations. To order a single free copy call 1-800-967-5325.
Moles, Oliver C. Reaching All Families: Creating Family-Friendly Schools. Washington, DC:
U.S. Department of Education, 1996.This comprehensive guide provides suggestions for expanding parent involvement in schools through innovative strategies. It highlights practices that encourage the development of two-way communica tion through personal contacts. In addition to the general information provided, the book provides educators with specific strategies to try with special parent populations. To order a free copy, call 1-800-424-1616.
National Standards for Parent/Family Involvement Programs. Chicago, IL: National PTA, 1997.
This guide recommends six standards for parent/family involvement. Each standard is accompanied by quality indicators. Users are provided with suggestions and tools for developing and evaluating parent involvement policies in their communities. To order a copy, call 1-312-670-6782 or fax 1-312-679-6783.
Parent Involvement: A Training Manual for Head Start Staff Alexandria, VA: National Head
Start Association; City of New York, Administration for Children's Services, Head Start; and
National Council of Jewish Women Center for the Child, 1997.This Head Start training manual was developed to address staff issues and concerns identified through a special intervention project in New York City. By focusing on strengthening Head Start staff's professional image, improving their skills, and fostering empathy, the training enables staff to develop partnerships with parents. To order a copy, call 1-703-739-0875.
Parents Ask About Title I. Portsmouth, NH: RMC Corporation, 1996.
This parent information series of five booklets describes Title I requirements. In an easy-to-read format, it outlines requirements for standards, parent involvement policies, compacts, and school profiles. Parents can use the suggested action steps and questions to learn more. Information is available in English and Spanish. To order copies of the booklets, call 1-800-443-3742.
Parents' Guide After Head Start: Success in Public School. Alexandria, VA: National Head Start Association, 1995.
This parent pamphlet includes checklists for parent involvement in transitions before, during, and after leaving Head Start. In addition, a model letter to the principal, basic information on ways to be involved in schools, and ten essential elements for achieving success are included. To order a copy, call 1-703-739-0875.
Paulu, Nancy. Helping Your Child Get Ready for School, Wilma P. Greene, ed. Washington, DC:
U.S. Department of Education, 1992.This Department of Education publication describes what it means to be ready for school and sug gests age-appropriate activities for parents to initiate with their children. Also included are character istics of children at different developmental stages and ways parents can support the needs of the developing child. To order a copy, call 1-800-424-1616 and request document CIC, 309B.
Powell, Douglas R. Families and Early Childhood Programs. Washington, DC:
National Association for the Education of Young Children, 1989.This book provides a comprehensive review of research on family involvement in early childhood programs. Topics addressed include the effects of continuity and discontinuity on children, parent education and support, opportunities for future research, and program planning. To order a copy, call 1-800-424-2460.
Ramey, Sharon Landesman, and Craig T. Ramey. "The Transition to School: Why the First Few Years Matter for a Lifetime." Phi Delta Kappan, November 1994, PP. 196-199.
This article describes transition as a process that requires children and schools to become ready for each other. It lists key indicators of successful transitions to schools and includes a discussion of how these indicators represent mutual readiness-or children and schools preparing for each other.
Ready to Learn: Preparing Children for Success in School. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education, 1995. (Videotape of Satellite Town Meeting #21.)
In this 60-minute videotape, parents, teachers, school administrators, and community leaders have an open discussion about school readiness issues. Their recommendations can be used by various parent, school, and community groups. To borrow the videotape, call 1-800-424-1616.
Regional Education Laboratories. Continuity in Early Childhood: A Framework for Home, School, and Community Linkages. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education, Regional Educational Laboratories Early Childhood Collaboration Network, 1995.
This document describes a framework for providing continuity in early childhood education. It defines eight elements of continuity and enables communities to assess their own practices. To order a copy, contact your Regional Education Laboratory or call 1-800-424-1616.
Responding to Children Under Stress: A Skill-Based Training Guide for Classroom Teams.
Washington DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1994.This guide offers a staff development program that helps teachers support children who live in stressful environments. Eight 2-hour sessions are included. Specific sessions include supporting parents, the daily schedule, routines, transitions, and the learning environment. To order a copy, fax 1-703-683-5769.
Rich, Dorothy. MegaSkills. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1992.
This parenting book provides practical suggestions for helping children develop school and life skills. The author shares various home learning activities that parents can use with their children. A chapter also provides suggestions for helping children feel more at home at school.
Ringers, Joseph, Jr, and Larry E. Decker. School Community Centers: Guidelines for Inter agency Planners. Fairfax, VA: Mid-Atlantic Center for Community Education, 1995.
This informational booklet provides guidance for those interested in developing school community centers. The process of planning and implementing change is outlined along with the key elements for success. To order a copy, call 1-703-359-8973.
Rogers, Margot. Planning for Title I Programs: Guidelines for Parents, Advocates and
Educators. Washington, DC: Center for Law and Education, Inc., 1996.This book provides comprehensive information about Title I requirements and how parents and advocates can ensure schools adhere to them. It also suggests ways that advocates can reach, assist, and train parents. To order a copy, call 1-202-986-3000.
Smith, Pamela, Sharon Rosenkoetter, and Carolyn Streufert, eds. Step Ahead at Age 3. Topeka,
KS: Bridging Early Services Taskforce, 1995.This booklet is written for families and describes the transition process experienced by three-year-old children with disabilities. If offers a step-by-step guide to assist families through the process. This brief booklet is also available in Spanish. To order a copy, call 1-316-241-7754.
Strong Families, Strong Schools: Building Community Partnerships for Learning. Washington,
DC: US. Department of Education, 1994.This publication emphasizes the need for families, schools, communities, businesses, and govern ment to work together to improve schools. It includes information on school improvement research and examples of promising practices around the country. To order a copy, call 1-800-424-1616.
Ulmer, Sherry P. Developing a Training Program for Head Start Parents in Preparation for Public School Transition of Their Children. Fort Lauderdale, FL: Nova University, 1991.
This paper outlines the process one Head Start Program director used to train parents on transition. It includes an outline of the training sessions and sample evaluation tools. To order a copy, request ERIC document ED339503 by calling 1-800-443-3742.
White-Clark, Renee, and Larry E. Decker. The "Hard-to-Reach" Parent: Old Challenges, New
Insights. Fairfax, VA: National Community Education Association, 1996. This publication provides an overview of barriers to family involvement. Case studies demonstrate the benefits gained when barriers are overcome. Many ideas are offered to help educators develop successful strategies for reaching all parents. To order a copy, call 1-703-359-8973.