American Academy of Pediatrics. (1997).  Recommended childhood immunization schedule - United States, January - December, 1997.  Pediatrics, 99, 136-138.
 

This article lists the recommended childhood immunizations in the United States and the typical timing of those immunizations during childhood. 

Brustad, R. J.  (1996).  Attraction to physical activity in urban schoolchildren:  Parental socialization and gender influences.  Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 67, 316-323.
 

This article discusses the influences of parents’ physical activity on their children’s participation and enjoyment of  sports and physical activities.  Children’s interest in various physical activities and children’s perceived physical competence appear to be related to children’s perceptions of their parents’ physical activity.

Cushman, R.,  Down, J., MacMillan, N., & Waclawik, H.  (1991).  Helmet promotion in the emergency room following bicycle injury:  A randomized Trial.  Pediatrics, 88, 43-47.
 

This article reports a systematic effort to increase bicycle helmet use among children and adolescents who have just suffered a bicycle injury by educating parents on the importance of helmet use for safe riding.  Education increased parents’ awareness of the functions of bicycle helmets but did not greatly increase their likelihood of purchasing a helmet for their child.  The researchers suggest that multidisciplinary community awareness campaigns may be more effective in increasing helmet use than one-on-one educational efforts in the emergency room.

Hauser-Cram, P., & Shonkoff, J. P. (1988).  Rethinking the assessment of child-focused outcomes. In H. B. Weiss & F. H. Jacobs (Eds.), Evaluating family programs (pp. 73-94).  New York:  Aldine de Gruyter.
 

This chapter provides an overview of issues to be considered in evaluating community-based programs for children. The authors note the historical tendency to focus almost exclusively on intellectual outcomes such as IQ scores, and argue strongly for considering other kinds of outcomes.  Discussion of assessment in children includes general methodology issues, and reviews some measures.

Kuntzleman, C. T.;  &  Reiff, G. G.  (1992).  The decline in American children’s fitness levels.  Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sports, 63, 107-111.
 

Based on the 1985 National School Population Survey, this article documents the decline in fitness among America’s youth over the past several decades and discusses some possible reasons for this decline. Cardiovascular fitness and its relation to risks for coronary heart disease are discussed.

McKenzie, T. L. & Sallis, J. F.  (1991).  Physical education’s role in public health.  Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 62, 124-137.
 

This article describes the importance and effects of physical activity on children’s health.  It suggests that adults should prepare children to think of physical activity and fitness as a way of life, not simply a class to take in school.

Newacheck, P.W.; Hughes, D. C. & Stoddard, J. J.  (1996).  Children’s access to primary care:  Differences by race, income, and insurance status.  Pediatrics, 97, 26 - 32.
 

This article examines barriers to children’s access to basic health care, including race, income, and insurance status.  Monitoring of age-appropriate physical development is limited when there is a lack of access to primary health care for children.  The authors conclude that substantial barriers exist that limit access to and use of primary care for low-income, minority, and uninsured children.  New health care initiatives are needed to address both financial and nonfinancial barriers to the receipt of primary care for many American children.

Pate, R. R.;  Small, M. L.;  Ross, J. G.; Young, J. C.; Flint;  & Warren, C. W.  (1995).  School physical education.  Journal of School Health, 65, 312-318.
 

In some school districts, physical education is seen as a “frill” instead of an integral part of children’s healthy development.  This article discusses the importance of school physical education classes to children’s physical health and fitness level.  The School Health Policies and Programs Study (SHPPS) provides data on state, district, and classroom data about the use and promotion of physical fitness and health.

Warburton, P. & Sleap, M. (1992).  Physical activity levels of 5-11-year-old children in England as determined by continuous observation. Research Quarterly for Exercise & Sport, 63, 238-245.
 

This article discusses the physical activity levels of 56 children in four regions in England.  The children’s activity levels were continuously observed during school breaks, lunch times and during physical education classes.  Children were found to be 
more active during school breaks and less active during free time after school and at home.  The study has important implications for State Strengthening projects that strive to include physical activity as an important component of after-school program plans.

Ysseldyke, J. E., & Thurlow, M. (1993, October). Developing a model of educational outcomes (NCEO Report No. 1). Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota, College of Education, National Center on Educational Outcomes.
 

Describes a conceptual model of outcomes and indicators for children developed by the National Center on Educational Outcomes which has been adopted by the Children's National Outcome Work Group as an organizing framework. Although designed with public education in mind, the model is adaptable to informal and community-based programs. The eight outcome domains identified in the model are Physical Health, Responsibility and Independence, Contribution and Citizenship, Academic and Functional Literacy, Personal and Social Adjustment, Family Involvement /Accommodation and Adaptation, Satisfaction, and Presence and Participation.

Physical Health Outcomes

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