Olney, MD, August 12, 2008--The Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) announces the publication of a new book, Children and Families of African Origin: A Guide for Educators and Service Providers. The book provides insight for education professionals on issues relevant to working with children and families of African origin, including those from both African American and African immigrant families, and includes suggestions for effective practice based on the common and special characteristics of children of African origin.

To be effective, educators must be knowledgeable and sensitive to the cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic differences among African origin groups, and engage in the most productive practice.

Authors Yvette R. Harris and Doris Bergen discuss the best educational practices for serving these children.

The chapters address the following topics:

• Overview of the background and general culture of various African origin families
• Typical family structures and research on the influence that family hierarchies have on children
• General child-rearing practices
• Educational issues related to learning success
• Health and mental health practices and concerns
• Specific issues related to serving African origin children with disabilities or exceptional gifts.

The similarities and contrasts between families of differing socioeconomic and educational levels are addressed, as are ecological factors related to neighborhoods, cultural beliefs, and broader societal issues that may affect the developmental and educational progress of African origin children. The extensive references listed at the conclusion of the book may be used for further research or as a resource.

Children and Families of African Origin: A Guide for Educators and Service Providers. Authors: Yvette R. Harris and Doris Bergen. 64 pp. 2008. ISBN-978-0-87173-173-9. $22.00 ($17.60 ACEI members).

To order a copy online, go to http://www.acei.org/africanorigin.htm

About ACEI: The Association for Childhood Education International is the oldest organization in the world dedicated to the development of the whole child, from birth to early adolescence. Founded in 1892, ACEI is an organization of teachers, teacher educators, and parents whose primary purpose is to promote the inherent rights, education, and well-being of children in the home, school, and community. ACEI publishes the award-winning publication Childhood Education, as well as the Journal of Research in Childhood Education.

To ACEI home page.