Although considerable progress has been achieved regarding the research and laws supporting preschool inclusion, access to inclusive preschool environments remains intangible for many children with disabilities in the United States. The purpose of this article is to discuss current challenges and solutions to high-quality preschool inclusion. We…

The Policy Analysis Study of the Research Institute on Preschool Mainstreaming investigated the manner in which states and local districts have implemented the U.S. Office of Special Education Programs' recommendation that preschoolers with mild to moderate disabilities participate in mainstream programs such as Head Start. A national survey of…

Public Law 94-142 requires that school districts provide a free, appropriate, and public education to all handicapped children, aged 3 to 21, in the least restricted environment (LRE). This article explains compliance dilemmas, defines LRE, compares integration with mainstreaming, outlines integrated program characteristics, and discusses…

This report summarizes data from 1990 and 1993 surveys on preschool mainstreaming that investigated the prevalence of inclusive programming in early childhood education, whether policy challenges to the inclusion of young children have changed over time, and currently existing challenges. Results indicate: (1) there is a dearth of policy research…

A survey of special education personnel, child care providers, and parents found that barriers to the mainstreaming of preschoolers with disabilities were attitudes concerning (1) "turf" issues for special educators; (2) teacher preparedness; (3) awareness issues; (4) issues of communication and collaboration; and (5) the possibility…

A national survey was conducted to determine the presence of barriers to placing preschool children with disabilities in normalized education environments. The survey inquired about education policy as well as attitudes, curricula, and methods. Surveys were sent to 278 educators, administrators, and parents, with a 53 percent response rate.…

Focusing on special education and early childhood policy and practices, this paper highlights global educational and social forces that demand professional attention and study. These global forces include: (1) the movement toward educational reform and an improved competitive edge in the world marketplace; (2) the unionization of educational…

This brief paper summarizes research findings concerning the identification and implementation of effective practices in early childhood intervention for children with disabilities. First, research documenting the effectiveness of early childhood intervention is noted and the importance of developing individualized programs within integrated early…

This paper offers recommendations for establishing meaningful integration opportunities for preschool children with disabilities, derived from the work of the Research Institute on Preschool Mainstreaming, a 5-year federally funded project of St. Peter's Child Development Centers, Inc., in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The knowledge base on preschool…

This paper discusses 1997 amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that promote the inclusion of children with disabilities in general early childhood education settings. The evolution of inclusion policy is explored and changes in disability terminology are described. Amended provisions are then explained and include:…

This handbook is designed to help public school administrators to develop policies and procedures that allow for the appropriate educational placement of preschool children with disabilities in mainstreaming settings. Part I contains background information and materials on legal requirements related to mainstreaming, the efficacy of early…

In addition to analyzing the basic policy issues inherent in the provision of special education and related services to handicapped and adjudicated youth, the paper is written to assist corrections personnel in understanding and implementing selected provisions of P.L. 94-142 (the Education for All Handicapped Children Act), to develop policy…

Describes a five-step process by which preschool teachers can meet the individual needs of all children, including those with disabilities, while maintaining a group instructional format. The process links assessment to curriculum, has planned teacher-directed individualized group instruction, implements behavior management techniques, and…

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates special education and related services to be delivered in the least restrictive environment to preschoolers with disabilities. The act also mandates that educators and administrators find appropriate educational placements for children who are entitled to receive a free public…

This paper presents a summary of early care and education policies for young children (ages 3-5) and then offers recommendations on how these efforts might be coordinated at the state and local levels. The policy summary is organized around the components of early care--child care, early childhood education, and early intervention for children at…