A mixed methods design was used to facilitate an understanding of what early interventionists (EIs) experience when working with families living in poverty. EIs working in a large urban area (n = 306) completed an online survey and participated in a follow-up focus group (n = 7). EIs reported that logistical challenges and family/EIs stressors…

This article examined the associations between family processes and children's development among mothers and their children participating in early intervention (EI) services. Data from mothers and their infants and toddlers (n = 100) participating in EI were analyzed using regression methods to test the predictive power of maternal depressive…

The number of preterm births is increasing globally and in England, yet professional knowledge about the short- and long-term developmental consequences and the psycho-social effect on parents is limited amongst the early years workforce. Using a social-ecological systems theory approach, this paper reports on a mixed-methods study that aimed to…

Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) early intervention services utilizes a family-based model of support for families of infants and toddlers with disabilities. Family-based services stem from the research of parent-child interactions as the primary means for developmental growth. This article will advocate strategies…

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…

Interviews with parents of 31 handicapped infants revealed that the child's responsiveness, temperament, repetitive behavior patterns, and demands for additional/unusual caregiving were related to stress reported by mothers. Child's rate of progress was not related. Single mothers reported more stress than mothers in two-parent homes. (Author/CL)

The article differentiates parental stress experienced after the birth of a high-risk premature infant from the normal stress of transition to parenthood. A review of the literature delineates a conceptual framework for relating preterm at-risk birth to specific parental stress reactions, and proposes strategies for alleviating these…

Sixty-two infant teachers and 88 therapists (physical, occupational, and speech) working in therapeutic toddler classes in the Netherlands completed a job questionnaire for job stress. Most job stress was perceived to be a result of lack of non-contact time. Nine sources of job stress were identified. The four disciplines responded differently to…

This fact sheet provides data on infants, toddlers and young children who are experiencing high stress as a result of a number of risk factors specifically identified in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA 2004), including substantiated abuse or neglect, foster care placement, homelessness, exposure to family…

The major purpose of the study was to document clinical observations of increased psychological stress among 100 mothers primarily from low socioeconomic and minority groups, who had recently delivered infants representing a wide range of neonatal conditions. (Author/SBH)

Mothers (N=27) of infants and children with long-term tracheostomy completed modified version of Impact-on-Family Scale in study examining maternal perceptions of effects of infant disability on family life. Mothers reported much stress in caring for young disabled children, most notably in financial status. Reported strong sense of mastery in…

The article describes a support program for families of handicapped children (ages birth to 3) involved in an early intervention program. A cognitive-behavioral "Coping with Stress Model," used as the basis for intervention planning and programming, helps families assess their coping effectiveness and identify unmet needs. (JW)

Reviews literature that illustrates concerns about childhood chronic illness and its effects on families. Includes an example of research on preterm infants with low birthweight and complex medical needs. Preliminary analyses of infants' intervention needs during their first 18 months are discussed in relation to the reduction of family stress.…

In order for the sociological study of disability to enable, then it must be ready to conceptualize complex terrains of knowledge and activism. Research has to work alongside disabled people, their allies, their practices, their resistances and their theorizing. This paper makes a case for a framework of understanding that situates such work.…

A study assessed the effect of family-centered early intervention services on 47 children and their families during a 12-month period. During family-centered intervention, children's developmental gains were equivalent to their rate of development prior to intervention. The intervention also did not reduce parental stress or enhance family…