ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the dynamics of changing demography of the United States. It examines the type of policy that would be more supportive for diverse children and families and the programs that are most in jeopardy of being modified. Policy and research considerations of children of color will be discussed within the framework of an integrative model for the study of developmental competencies in children of color. Immigration of groups of color has come at a time in which increases in the natural birthrates have also gone up. Different social classes, divergent cultural groups, different ethnic group identities, and historical experiences in North America have resulted in family patterns and trends that may differ from those of families who are not of color. Child-rearing practices of some groups will be imparted by the ecological dimensions of class, ethnicity, and educational attainment level. The country of origin for children is a very important but too often overlooked design element.
