In Charlotte, North Carolina, the Family Independence Initiative/Even Start program is bringing the community together to help low-income parents and their children get ahead. Caitlin Johnson reports.

We know a lot about the importance of children's early development and about the promise of high-quality preschool programs, but our growing knowledge "stands in stark contract to practice in many—perhaps most—early childhood settings," according to an upcoming text from the Committee on Early Childhood Pedagogy of the National Research Council. The executive summary includes recommendations for improving professional development, teaching materials, public policies and public knowledge about the promise of the early years.

Many mothers moving into the workforce under welfare reform are being forced to rely on low-quality child care. Leslie de Pietro, coordinator of the University of Michigan's Family Care Resources Program, looks at the struggle between shrinking welfare rolls and supporting young children's development.

Richard Louv explores how faith-based organizations around the country are reaching out to support children and families in new ways. The idea is community: not just within the place of worship, but beyond.

A national dialog is emerging on the benefits of universal preschool and pre-kindergarten. Now, experts are saying the United States can learn something from France's universal preschool system, which serves nearly 100 percent of French 3- to 5-year olds.

Head Start has generally enjoyed congressional and public support since its creation in 1965. What is not well known, says historian Joseph Hawes, is the intellectual battle over children's IQs, which made the idea of Head Start possible

A July 1999 report shows that high standards in child care make a difference in children's readiness for school. Learn why implementing standards is an ongoing process in this Connect for Kids article.

"In order to understand the tide of violent behavior in which America is now submerged, we must look earlier, before adolescence, before grade school, before preschool-to the cradle" argue the authors of Ghosts from the Nursery. Drawing from research on infant brain development, authors Robin Karr-Morse and Meredith S. Wiley compel readers to rethink our current approaches to violence.

Why aren't more parents recognizing their role as their children's first teachers? Senior Editor Richard Louv explores the challenges that modern parents face to becoming partners in children's learning.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) produces a series of fact sheets for parents and caregivers on making the most out of opportunities for early learning. Titles include 10 Signs of a Great Preschool and An Important Bond: Your Child and Your Caregiver.