More Information

Websites:

The National Institute for Literacy, a federal agency, provides leadership on literacy issues, including the improvement of reading instruction for children, youth, and adults.

http://www.nifl.gov/

Newborn to 5 Years Old Resource Guide

Unless otherwise noted, the following resources are available from bookstores, public libraries, and school libraries. Your family doctor, pediatrician, county health department, and United Way “Success by Six” program should also have helpful materials.

Books

Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5 (1998). Shelov, S.P. & Hannemann, R. E. (Eds.). New York: Bantam. Produced by the American Academy of Pediatrics, this reference is an excellent resource on children’s health and development. It contains information on each stage of development ranging from “health watch” to suitable toys and activities.

Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs (1997). Bredekamp, S. & Copple, C. (Eds.). Washington, D.C: National Association for the Education of Young Children. This handbook is published by the leading association for teachers of young children. It describes the stages of development for children birth to age 8 and lists activities to help them learn.

Dr. Spock’s Baby and Child Care (1992, 6th ed.). Spock, B. New York: Simon & Schuster. In print for over 50 years, this book is a standard parent’s reference covering childhood illnesses as well as child-rearing issues. Family Manager’s Guide for Working Moms, The (1997). Peel, K. New York: Ballantine Books. This handbook offers working parents tips on organizing and simplifying their lives.

Fatherneed: Why Father Care is as Essential as Mother Care to Your Child (2001). Pruett, K. D. New York: Broadway Books. A complete guide to understanding the father’s role in child development.

Games to Play with Babies, Games to Play with Toddlers, Games to Play with Two-Year-Olds (1993). Silberg, J. Beltsville, MD: Gryphon House. This series of books include a variety of games that foster physical development, coordination, bonding, and other essential aspects of early development.

Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child and Sweet Baby: How to Soothe Your Newborn (1999). Weissbluth, M. New York: Fawcett Books. Two books that teach parents how to soothe their babies to help them sleep better and create healthy sleep habits.

Hurried Child: Growing Up Too Fast Too Soon, The (1988). Elkind, D. New York: Addison-Wesley. This book cautions parents about pressuring children to grow up too fast. Dr. Elkind provides a critical look at movies, television, music, social trends, and education in terms of their expectations of and effects on children.

Magic of Everyday Moments, The (2000). Lerner, C., Domro, A., & Levine, K. Washington, D.C.: Zero to Three. A series of small booklets for parents of newborns through 15-month-olds that focus on how parents can support their baby’s social-emotional and intellectual development through interactions during “everyday” moments. (Can be ordered through the Zero to Three website at http://www.zerotothree.org.) Materials for Families of Students with Exceptionalities and Those Who Work with Families: Annotated Catalog (1996). Greenwood, C. (Available from the Clearinghouse/Information Center, Bureau of Student Services and Exceptional Education, Florida Department of Education, 325 W. Gaines Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400 or 850/488-1879.) This catalog lists nearly 2,000 books, videotapes, and other resources that parents may borrow from the Clearinghouse Information Center.

Parent’s Handbook, The (1997). Dinkmeyer, D., Sr, McKay, G.D., & Dinkmeyer, D., Jr. Circle Pines, MN: American Guidance Service. This book explains how parents with different parenting styles can successfully deal with discipline and other issues.

Seven Habits of Highly Effective Families, The (1997). Covey, S.R. New York: Golden Books. Best-selling author Covey applies his “7 habits” formula for success to the family. He advises families to try, among other things, to set goals and to use problem-solving to avoid or end conflicts.

Touchpoints: Your Child’s Emotional and Behavioral Development (1992). Brazelton, T. B. Reading, MA: Perseus Books. The acclaimed pediatrician provides dependable, compassionate advice on early childhood development.

Toys “R” Us Toy Guide for Differently-abled Kids (1997). Toys “R” Us (Available for free at all Toys “R” Us stores). Designed especially for children with disabilities, this guide is useful for all parents. The description of each toy indicates the thinking, visual, social, and other skills it helps develop.