Blending theory with practice: implementing kindergarten transition using the interactive systems framework.

The Interactive Systems Framework (ISF; Wandersman et al. in Am J Commu Psychol 41(3-4):171-181, 2008) was used to implement a kindergarten transition demonstration project collaboratively developed by elementary and early education providers, community-based family and housing services, parents, and a University intermediary and technical assistance group. First person accounts from stakeholders at all levels provide a complementary and broad perspective on the project's implementation.

Benefits of the Comprehensive Child Development Program as a function of AFDC receipt and SES.

The benefits for children at the Pittsburgh site of the federal Comprehensive Child Development Program (CCDP) were examined as a function of family welfare status (Aid to Families with Dependent Children; AFDC) and SES. The CCDP was the largest attempt by the federal government to provide two-generation, case-managed, comprehensive services to low-income families. Participating families could set their own goals and choose services to achieve them, but relatively few services were directed specifically at children.

Parents, practitioners, and researchers: community-based participatory research with early head start.

Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is an approach to research and evaluation that is receiving increased attention in the field of public health. Our report discusses the application of this approach to research and evaluation with an Early Head Start (EHS) program in Pittsburgh, Pa. Our primary purpose is to illustrate the key elements that contributed to effective collaboration among researchers, EHS practitioners, and parents of EHS children in the conduct of the study.