Language teacher education is widely identified as one of the most important areas that needs addressing in order to improve early language instruction, yet research into teacher education for early language teachers remains relatively sparse. This volume responds to this gap by compiling studies with diverse methodological tenets from a wide…

This document is a guide for implementing widespread use of evidence-based practices for improving the outcomes for young children with or at-risk for delays or disabilities and their families. The evidence-based practices are selected practices from the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) Recommended Practices (RPs). The guide is written for…

The paper surveys the planning necessary for effective inservice education for early childhood special education staff. A definition is offered, followed by an outline of general assumptions and guidelines. Next, a planning approach consisting of four interrelated phases is described: support and start-up, initial planning, program design, and…

Discusses strategies used in conducting an educational program for infants and toddlers. Purposes of infant and toddler education and differences in infant versus preschool programing are discussed. (Author/RH)

A marketing plan designed to increase enrollment and community support for early childhood education programs in Hawaii is presented. Expansion, economic and demographic trends, changes in state funding policies, and inadequate marketing had resulted in a drop in alternative school enrollment. The resulting support base was unable to support…

Designed to help develop a model for training and support in childminding, this report provides a close analysis of regional meetings on training and support needs in London, England. The discussion is presented in three sections. The first part provides examination of the background of the project, current trends and approaches, and justification…

Judgment based assessment (JBA) in early childhood special education is discussed in its theoretical context and noted are three trends: (1) the widening of JBA to include emotional characteristics and developmental processes; (2) inclusion of such informants as peers and persons with disabilities; and (3) development of new methods for eliciting…

The paper describes issues in integrating handicapped children into early childhood education programs. Experiences of the Northwest Center Infant and Toddler Program (Seattle, Washington) are noted to illustrate philosophical considerations (particularly the isolation of handicapped children) and program planning and development issues. Beginning…

Judgment based assessment (JBA) allows the collection and quantification of the perceptions and impressions of individuals appraising a child's status and environment. This article addresses the purposes, features, and appropriate uses of JBA of young children with disabilities. Current research relevant to JBA is discussed. (Author/DB)

This article describes an early childhood special education personnel preparation program designed for family specialists. Specialized family coursework and field-based experiences are provided in addition to training experiences in child-related skills and competencies. (Author/PB)

This discussion reviews the literature regarding consultation as a form of indirect service delivery in early intervention for children with disabilities, identifies barriers to effective consultation practice, and concludes that consultation can allow children with disabilities to receive intervention services in integrated settings if…

A practicum study was planned and implemented by a working mother for the purpose of developing a child care resource and referral agency in an eastern metropolitan area. The objective of the practicum was to increase the number of child care referrals available to working families by 10 percent over a 10-week period. Of the 110 surveys mailed to…

Designed to help state administrators acquaint local educators and parents to the importance of short- and long-term planning for young handicapped children, the paper examines issues for local planning teams. An introductory section provides an overview of the challenge of working with young handicapped children. Five interactive planning…

Discusses various ways that parents can serve schools as volunteers as well as some productive spinoffs resulting from their educational assistance to teachers. (RK)

This guidebook provides practical, easy-to-follow instructions that will assist entrepreneurs who are considering the operation of a day care business. Eleven sections address the following issues: (1) agencies to contact for licensing, inspection, and certification; (2) professionals to contact for business, legal, and insurance advice; (3)…