Linking Family Support and Early Childhood Programs:

The "Guidelines for Effective Practice " series was begun in 1991 to meet the need for better definition and articulation of what constitutes best practice in family support programs. This guide, the first issue of the series, focuses on t.:e importance and necessity of linkages between family support and early childhood programs. Chapter 1 presents a brief review of family support principles and examines the continuum of early childhood program types, with examples from Head Start and public school preschool programs, and from the private marketpl.ee of child care centers and family child care homes. Each type is presented in terms of its mission, organization, funding, and fit with the principles of family support. Chapter 2 examines research on early childhood programs' efforts to serve and involve parents, including demonstrations that combine direct services for parents and children. such as the early intervention programs of the 1970s and more contemporary two-generation programs. Chapter 3 considers what is required to create early childhood programs that truly support both parents and children either by offering an array of services to adults and children, or by serving children in ways that are culturally responsive and family-frientiv. Contains 79 references. (AP) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *********************************7************************************* \TO i.