Category: C

A kind of guardian, usually referring to a person appointed by a court to act to manage the affairs of a severely handicapped or incapacitated adult, especially one with considerable assets; in some areas, a public or private agency may be appointed to act as conservator. To avoid court involvement in appointing a conservator, parents…

In family law, a voluntary written statement from an unwed father acknowledging a child as his own and recognizing his responsibility to provide child support.  

The type of ear and hearing problem that involves a malfunction or disorder in the outer or middle ear, the mechanisms that gather and pass on the sound vibrations to the inner ear. Conductive losses are less severe than sensorineural losses and can usually be reduced or eliminated through medical treatment.  

The third stage of children’s learning, according to Piaget’s theory of cognitive development.  

The legal requirement that all children attend school when it is in session, with the student’s precise starting age (generally five or six) and the leaving age (often 16) specified by the individual states. Students who fail to attend school are considered truants, and parents who fail to send their children to school are legally…

In childbirth, a type of fetal presentation in which more than one part is placed first in the pelvis, such as a hand next to the head. Fetal position in which a prolapsed limb is alongside the main presenting part.  

A type of special education to make up lacks or deficiencies in a child’s experience and skills, notably in children who are socioeconomically or culturally disadvantaged, especially members of minority groups, so that they will be on a more equal footing with other students.  

A decentralized approach to handling educational and related questions concerning neighborhood schools, generally found in large cities in reaction to previous highly centralized school administrations, which were seen as unresponsive to local needs. Critics charge that decentralization too often leads to lack of control and accountability, and opens the door to fraud and corruption. Programs…

A legal doctrine under which countries recognize each others’ judicial decrees. In family law, custody decrees handed down in foreign countries are often recognized in those states that have enacted the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act. U.S. custody decrees are recognized in many other countries but not all. In interpersonal relations or social interactions, the…

General term for actions or things adopted by young children to enhance feelings of comfort, safety, and security. These include sucking a thumb, finger, or pacifier; adopting a transitional comfort object such as a teddy bear or old blanket; and repetitive, rhythmic activities such as rocking or hair twisting. Sucking and comfort objects generally cause…