The movement toward collaborative models of preservice early childhood preparation, those that attempt to "blend" preparation for both early childhood education (ECE) and early intervention/early childhood special education (EI/ECSE), is entering its fourth decade. This position paper presents a historical analysis of the blended…

In response to the current federal initiative to evaluate the impact of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Personnel Preparation program, the authors summarize prior efforts to evaluate the program and identify common themes and gaps in that work. Also, the authors pose issues and questions for those who seek to understand the impact…

This article describes a graduate program that uses an interdisciplinary approach to prepare early intervention practitioners to work with young children with autism, severe physical impairments, and other low incidence disabilities. The program features joint course work across the Schools of Medicine and Education and seminars on collaboration…

Described in the context of current requirements for personnel to provide early intervention services under Public Law 99-457 is a 6-week preservice interdisciplinary graduate training program for infant specialists at the University of Connecticut involving both coursework and a 60-hour practicum. (DB)

A survey of all 50 states and the District of Columbia found that more than half the states utilized a Higher Education Consortium to facilitate personnel development and capacity building in the early intervention disciplines. Information about the membership, mission, and meeting structure is provided as well as possible explanations for why…

This article reviews six texts published between 1998 and 2002 that might be used in introductory courses in early intervention and early childhood special education. It offers an analysis of distinguishing features of each book, a comparison of components across texts, and suggestions for choosing an appropriate text. (Contains 6 references.) (CR)

This article examines critical problems facing young children and their families in urban areas and implications for the preparation of early childhood special educators. It focuses specifically on teacher training needs concerning AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), drug and alcohol abuse, and child abuse. (DB)

This paper describes the Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) graduate training program at Kent State University (Ohio). Description of courses and practicum activities for the competency-based program is followed by outcomes data regarding student satisfaction with the curriculum and their capacity for providing family-centered services. Evaluation…

Describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of an innovative preservice teacher-education program in elementary education in the Inclusive Early Childhood Education Unit at the University of Tennessee. The program includes a three-phase training model, alternative approaches to instructional delivery, local school mentoring, and…

This article describes development of an interdisciplinary personnel preparation program at Western Kentucky University to prepare students to work with children (birth through age 5) with disabilities and their families. The program includes the fields of special education, social work, school psychology, and communication disorders. The article…

A survey about inclusion of children with disabilities in early-childhood settings was responded to by 172 parents, practicing professionals in early-childhood programs, university-based trainers, and preservice students. Professional competence and importance of skills were rated for five domains: (1) working with families, (2) performance-based…