Here in their own words is an intimate look at the everyday life of an American steel mill office worker's family, from the depression in the 1930's, to the mid 1940's, almost through World War II. The father of a young family with origins in Coatesville, Chester County travels each summer from Claymont, Delaware, where he retained a job throughout with the Worth Steel Company, to Camp Chesapeake, North East, Maryland, and receives letters. Household chores, shopping, including homefront rationing, dental health, a surprising collection of public amusements, including the movies, or motion pictures, organized amateur baseball, and natural swimming venues, including trips to Atlantic City, are described, often in detail including costs. Employment and budget concerns, raffles, and the work place, including office politics are discussed. Camp Chesapeake was organized by the Coatesville YMCA in 1916 based on the "Four Square" camp principles.

The "Ready or Not" study examined the perceptions of center-based childcare provider and kindergarten teacher perceptions on school readiness of children with and without disabilities. Findings indicated that reporting childcare providers placed more emphasis on academic readiness skills while kindergarten teachers placed more emphasis on social and behavioral skills. Surveyed participants also indicated their beliefs that childrens preschool experiences are important for school readiness and that children without disabilities tend to be more ready for kindergarten than children with disabilities. While these findings help advance present understanding of the differences in perceptions of childcare providers and kindergarten teachers on school readiness, further research is recommended to replicate results and delve deeper into the reasons behind the differences. Results of this study also emphasize the need for better communication of kindergarten expectations and for teaching social and behavioral skills necessary to help children make a smooth kindergarten transition.