Abstract: A reference text for education and child health care professionals and parents presents authoritative essays and appended annotated bibliographies by experts in various aspects of early childhood. The topics include: pregnancy, birth, and the first year of life; child development; the role of the family; parenting (the interrelationships of parents and children); health; nutrition (including feeding practices); children's play; child care and its settings and options; the special needs of a child; and various facets of childhood education (literature, multicultural education, nonsexist education, and the influences produced by viewing films and television). Within each toic, brief essays by different professionals cover different aspects of the topic; the bibliography for the topic lists books and government publications about the subject. An extensive listing of pertinent newsletters, US organizations, information clearinghouses, and periodicals relative to childhood education also is included. (wz).

Abstract: Four general categories of materials for child and family development programs include audio-visual materials, organizations and projects, journals and newsletters, and written materials (by subject matter). Subject matter includes child neglect and abuse, education for early childhood, adults, exceptional children and teenage parents; health and nutrition; and various special audience materials. All entries are annotated and list availability information.