In his testimony, Jon Baron, president of Coalition for Evidence-Based Policy, recommends reauthorization of the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program (MIECHV) Program. He outlines three reasons that support his recommendation: (1) MIECHV represents an important, bipartisan departure from the usual approach to social…

Within the United States a significant population of foster care infants and toddlers access early special education services under the parameters of the "Individuals with Disabilities Education Act" (IDEA)-Part C (United States Congress 2004). A dearth of literature exists about special education interventionists' services for this…

Parents' interactions with their children can have influential effects on children's language outcomes. Special supports may be needed however, when young children live in poverty and show developmental delays early in life. This study analyzed data for a subset of children enrolled in Early Head Start (EHS) programs and participating in a…

Researchers have identified three variables to explain the diversity among children born to cocaine/polydrug using women: (1) the dysfunctional family histories of the maternal user; (2) the purity, dosage, and regularity of illicit drugs used during pregnancy; and (3) subsequent mother-child interaction following birth and during formative…

The experiences of a home counselor for a blind infant intervention program are summarized. Discussed is the role of four areas in successful programming: (1) exposure, or the need for hands-on experience with the world to understand cause/effect and promote imagination; (2) experience of things in such a way as to provide realistic associations…

The paper summarized the rationale for early intervention programs and describes the major components of the Project WISP (Wyoming Infant Stimulation Program) center-based program for handicapped young children (18-36 months). Early intervention for handicapped children is justified from five points-of-view: prevention of failure during subsequent…

A home based infant stimulation program for handicapped preschoolers in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, has been successful and cost effective. Home teachers help parents implement a precise, individualized curriculum. Physical and speech therapists are available as well. Other program emphases include providing emotional support to parents and…

This study examined the expressive communication and language of seven hearing mothers and their deaf infants. Total communication intervention programming was begun before 9 months of age, and communication behaviors were observed during free play when infants were 12 and 18 months old. Other data were obtained in structured interviews with…

A support program was developed at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Edison, New Jersey for families of handicapped children (from birth to the age of 3) who are involved in an early intervention program. A cognitive-behavioral model (the Coping with Stress Model) was designed to help families assess coping effectiveness. The process, which…

The author stresses the importance of early intervention for handicapped children and infants, including proper nutrition programing for adolescent females before they become pregnant, adequate housing and economic security pre and postnatally, and parenting education. (CL)

The paper reviews the literature on early intervention programs with emphasis on programs for handicapped and at risk infants. The definition and goals of intervention for such infants are examined in relation to early childhood developmental characteristics. Studies demonstrating the effectiveness of early intervention for disadvantaged,…

The paper describes the T.O.T.E. (Teach Our Tots Early) Infant/Toddler Intervention Program to provide educational programing for handicapped children from birth to age 3 years. Sections address the following program components: program development, delivery model (primarily home-based), staffing, population (southeast Wayne County, Michigan),…

The paper examines the goals and effects of early intervention with infants at risk for possible developmental problems. Four components of San Francisco Infant Program are noted: (1) services to children, (2) parent involvement, (3) a transdisciplinary team approach, and (4) a research-based model. The research problems associated with…

Eighteen studies (1952-1982) evaluating early therapeutic intervention for children with cerebral palsy are reviewed. Studies are explained to feature provisions of some type of traditional, neurophysiological/sensorimotor, or eclectic therapy and to have excluded pharmacological, dietary, or other specialized treatment procedures. Analysis is…

Evaluation data are presented for the Open Door infant, toddler, and preschool programs (Las Cruces, New Mexico) for handicapped young children. Effects of intervention are reported in terms of learner gain for each child, mean gains for each child across developmental areas, mean gains for groups within each developmental area, subsequent…