This article focuses on early intervention implementation concerns and recommendations for addressing the needs of the wide range of infants and toddlers with disabilities and families to be served. It describes providing services in natural environments, as well as the issues of personnel preparation and models of service delivery. (Contains…

Planning and implementing successful community-based social integration experiences for infants and toddlers with multiple disabilities require consideration of such issues as the developmental needs unique to this age-group, family needs and concerns, health and safety considerations, and training needs of staff. (JDD)

A study investigated the experiences of 22 families of children (age 3) with disabilities as they entered, participated in, and exited the transition process. The shift in service delivery models was often problematic, families were given a limited choice of preschool programs, and few programs offered inclusive service models. (Contains…

Administrative issues in privately and publicly funded programs are contrasted across six areas: funding, philosophy and services, population served, parent involvement, staffing practices, and standards and governance. Key differences center around funding stability and administrative flexibility. A service system featuring a continuum of…

This article confronts concerns in providing family intervention services to the growing population of non-White, non-Anglo families. Strategies are offered for gathering information about these families while respecting their nonmainstream culture, values, and beliefs. Alternative perspectives on child rearing, disability, medicine, intervention,…

A range of qualitative and quantitative methods were used to create case studies and summaries of 16 inclusive programs in 4 regional U.S. locations. The individualized service model that programs followed were itinerant-direct service, itinerant-collaborative consultative, team teaching, early childhood, early childhood special education, and…

This article explores the many facets of the contemporary family in the United States, including their variations in structure, size, and ethnic and linguistic characteristics; the impact of sociohistorical factors on family functioning and lifestyle; implications of models of child development; and policy recommendations. (JDD)

This book provides an introduction to early intervention programs, focusing on programs that reflect a transactional model of family-centered services employing collaborative and interdisciplinary techniques. Chapter 1 presents the historical context of early intervention services. Chapter 2 defines the various disabilities and risk conditions.…