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For this brief, the authors analyzed a cohort of children referred to Baltimore's Infants and Toddlers program (BITP), for kindergarten readiness. Usually, pediatricians, parents, or early education staff refer a child to BITP upon observing a delay in development or speech and language skills. Thereafter, BITP staff assesses the child to determine eligibility for services, then refers eligible children to appropriate services. Among students who were not assessed by BITP, students who could not be contacted scored above the district's composite Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA) average, but children who were withdrawn scored below. The highest overall mean outcomes were among eligible children who completed services. These findings suggest the need for continued communication with parents on the importance of completing the services their children are eligible to receive. This analysis cannot determine why children who transition to kindergarten for additional services had the lowest levels of proficiency, but the fact that they remained entitled to services suggests they required continued support. Further study might rule out other explainations such as unmet needs or gaps in services.

This brief examines kindergarten readiness and attendance in kindergarten for children enrolled in publicly provided early education programs as well as similar children who entered kindergarten without enrolling in these programs. Key findings detail the effects for children if they were enrolled for at least 90 calendar days as a three- or four-year old in an early education program.

This paper discusses the need for Human Development curriculum in the community college system, and describes both the national and state (Arizona) trends in this direction. It includes short descriptions of all human development course offerings in Arizona community colleges in 1975-76. The scope of Human Development curriculum nationwide is described by summarizing the findings of a 1972 survey by Creamer, Pennington, Morgan, and Weston. Questions are raised regarding how courses are funded, the amount and kind of credit given, who administers the program, the proliferation of courses, the future direction for growth, and the evaluation of human development courses. (Author/RT)