Parents of young children participating in either Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part C early intervention or IDEA Part B-619 preschool special education programs were surveyed to obtain a consumer science perspective of the practitioners who were the children's primary service providers. Parents were asked to make judgments of…

This research examined the effectiveness of Multipurpose Unit Early Classroom Intervention Program (MUECIP) prepared for 4-5-year-old (48-60 months) children whose development is at risk because of their families' socioeconomic conditions. The research adopted a preliminary test-final test control group trial model. The research participants were…

We evaluated the effectiveness of a two-generation preschool programme (centre-based early childhood education, parenting education and family support) on receptive language skills in children living in culturally diverse families with low income. Using a with-in subject pre-test/post-test design, children (N = 112) showed a statistically…

The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify events in the field experiences of Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) preservice teachers that were perceived by the preservice teachers as influencing their thinking in relation to ECSE practices. The preservice teachers' weekly reflective journals, university supervisor observation…

One of the first joint efforts of the collaborative partnership of the University of Rhode Island and the CHILD, Inc. Head Start program has been the design of the Early Head Start Continuous Improvement and Evaluation Project (EHS Plan), research designed to assess and continuously strengthen the quality of services offered to children and…

Effects of preschool education beyond increase in intelligence quotient (IQ) are explored. The conclusion that preschool programs engender relatively few lasting beyond-IQ effects is challenged by L. J. Schweinhart and D. P. Weikart in their response contending that preschool education enhances general competence throughout life. (SLD)

This report examines critical issues that rural educators face in establishing preschool programs. Even Start is a federal program designed to meet the educational needs of preschool children who have under-educated parents. In addition to participating in their child's education, the program requires parents to enroll in educational or vocational…

The methods and findings of studies of the effects and value of preschool education and compensatory education programs, such as Head Start, are reviewed. After introductory comments on ideological controversies and on terminology, section 1 focuses on evaluative studies of the immediate and long-term effects of preschool education and early…

The Education Improvement Act of 1984 established the half-day child development program in South Carolina for 4- year-olds to help children who were most at risk for school failure get ready to learn before they entered the first grade. Students in the program met from 2 to 2.5 hours per day and used the High/Scope Preschool Curriculum. Each…