This study examined effects of two parent-training approaches to increase knowledge of transition resources by (a) giving parents a brochure describing local transition services or (b) providing the same brochure plus 60 min of small-group training. We randomly assigned parents to groups who completed pre- and posttests on knowledge of transition…

Supplementary aids and services (SAS) have been a provision in special education law since PL 94-142, however, almost no guidance has been provided to help teams make decisions about their appropriate selection and use. In this exploratory study, we explore the types of SAS selected for students with significant support needs using a conventional…

The transition into kindergarten is a challenge for any student, but it can be especially difficult for students with disabilities and their families. In this article, Amanda Fenlon suggests that by planning ahead families and schools can smooth that transition and put students on the right road. She encourages families to work with their child's…

Enhancing parents' ability to make informed choices is important to successful transition planning for youth with disabilities. This study used a multiple probe design across content areas replicated across participants to examine the effects of a computer-based instructional program on acquisition of parents' knowledge of the transition planning…

The review of the "Rainbow Connection Instructional Guide" stresses the guide's purpose in assisting the development of model transitional services for preschool handicapped students moving into less restrictive educational environments. Noted is the guide's attention to preparation of parents, roles of training and collaboration, and…

The purpose of this report is to provide policymakers, primarily at the federal and state levels, with information about youth with disabilities in foster care, so that policymakers can begin to understand the characteristics of this population; the challenges they face; how they fare with regard to safety, permanency, self-determination and…

The paper examines the role of parents in the transition of developmentally disabled or otherwise handicapped persons into adult services. Because parents play an important role on the interdisciplinary team, parent training is important. This training can come in the form of university credit courses, workshops and mini-courses, self-help groups,…

The report describes achievements of a 3-year administration project designed to help parents and young children make the transition from community infant programs into public school early childhood special education classes. The importance of this transition period is underlined. The project developed a model to facilitate communication between…

The job of executive director of a parent center can be very rewarding. An executive director is in the position to bring change to the lives of children with disabilities and their families. Directors, assisted by the board of directors and key staff members, are in a position to create many new opportunities for designing and shaping the growth…

The paper describes Project STIP (Supported Transition to Integrated Preschools), a demonstration project in San Francisco, California, which is developing and evaluating a model for integrating preschool children with special needs into regular education preschool programs. Project STIP also developed and evaluated a district-wide model for…

The practicum was designed to increase parent participation in a preschool (birth to 3 years) special education program serving children with handicaps in Chicago, Illinois. The practicum was intended to provide parents with an effective and meaningful involvement in a structured program of transition services. Input from both staff and parents…

This case study describes a model for transition from early intervention programs to special education preschool programs. The model focuses on educating and empowering parents to become long-term, independent, informed advocates for their children, via a program involving workshops and individual family transition assistance provided by…

The 1980-1981 performance report is presented for the Transitional Resource Addressing Children's Early Education (TRACE) Project, West Chicago, Illinois, which provides developmental preschool and transitional primary-level classes for 3-8 year olds. Screening of 130 preschool children (2 years 10 months through 4 years old) was undertaken to…

The support of home and parents is a major factor in the school-to-work transition of special needs students. Survey research describes parent expectations of these students as minimal. Suggestions are offered for enhancing support for parents and their special needs students. (Author/MSE)

The sample parent handbook contains handouts used with a series of four meetings in which parents of preschool handicapped children learn how to be their child's advocate. The first meeting is on Testing and the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and includes: "Evaluation Responsibilities,""Questions You May Want To…