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…

Multiple sleep problems of a 2-year-old girl improved following treatment with a faded bedtime with response cost procedure. If she fell asleep within 15 minutes of the scheduled bedtime, her bedtime the following night was 30 minutes earlier; however, if she did not fall asleep it was 30 minutes later. (Author/CR)

Describes Q methodology, a technique that can be used to gain important insights on individuals' judgments, attitudes, and points of view on topics or situations that involve early intervention effectiveness issues. Specific steps involved in Q methodology are illustrated in a description of an early intervention efficacy study. (Author/CR)

A survey of 400 early childhood personnel in northwestern Ohio identified personnel characteristics associated with an interest in caring for young children with special needs. Most respondents were interested in providing care but cited lack of knowledge as a barrier to providing inclusive childcare. (Author/CR)

Examined the origins of high general cognitive ability (g) in twins who were participating in the MacArthur Longitudinal Twin Study. Formed high g groups from the 19th percentile and above at each age. Results suggested increasing genetic influence and increasing genetic stability from 14 to 36 months and substantial genetic influences with…

Four children (ages 1-2) with language delays were evaluated to assess the benefits of a play-based model for providing an accurate analysis of a child's language capabilities. The play-based assessment model provided a broader picture of the children's emerging skills, which was helpful in planning interventions. (Author/CR)

Investigated the relationship between language competence, joint attention, and interaction between mothers and toddlers that fosters joint attention. Found no correlation between joint attention and concurrent language, yet joint attention was related to toddler age when correlated with language. Suggested that nonostensive settings need further…

Four toddlers with Down syndrome (ages 10-30 months) were presented with six nonreactive and reactive toys for 90 sessions of free play. When the toys were nonreactive, the subjects vocalized to express their disappointment or to seek assistance from the adults in the room. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

The signed and spoken language produced by 14 mothers (7 deaf and 7 hearing) to their 18-month-old deaf children was analyzed. Deaf mothers were more successful in presenting signed utterances with a salient context visible to their children. For both groups, visible and salient signed utterances were positively correlated with mothers' success in…

Discusses the need for child caregivers to be aware of cultural differences as they relate to individual autonomy and the family. Relates ideas on teaching toddlers self-help skills so they can become independent, and shares a personal story illustrating connected, yet independent, family members. (TJQ)

Data on 11 samples of 1,012 toddlers used to construct and validate the Toddler Behavior Assessment Questionnaire (TBAQ) revealed that the component of negative affectivity (anger proneness and fearfulness) were independent, and item analysis suggested that shyness and other fears were independent as well. (MDM)

Compared language development of 16 firstborn and 16 secondborn children at 21 months to investigate whether secondborn children benefit from overheard conversations between caregivers and older siblings. Found that secondborn children were more advanced that firstborn in pronoun production, while not differing general language development,…

Investigates the importance of temperament as a predictor of children's sleep problems. Subjects were 57 toddlers ranging from 12 to 36 months. Discusses case studies to further illuminate other possible factors such as parental handling. Results indicated that children with reported sleep problems were more likely to obtain an intermediate high…

Examined relations between maternal control and evaluative feedback during the second year of life and children's mastery motivation and expressions of self-evaluative affect a year later. Found that negative maternal evaluations at 2 years related to children's later shame, especially when linked to children's actions or products. Positive…

A study examined the effects of a high-probability procedure on the compliance with medical procedures of a toddler with developmental delays and self-injurious behavior. Compliance to low-probability requests occurred more frequently following compliance to high-probability requests, suggesting that this procedure may be useful across different…