Describes aspects of self-concept that develop in toddlerhood: (1) self-recognition; (2) self-representation; (3) self-description; (4) self-assertion; (5) self-evaluation; and (6) self-regulation. Intervention ideas for children with special needs are presented based on three dimensions of the socializing environment: provision of inanimate…

A study of 177 low-income children (ages 3-30 months) investigated the relationship among neglect, failure to thrive (FTT), and cognitive functioning. The cognitive performance of children who had been neglected and were FTT was significantly below that of children who had only one of the variables and typical children. (Author/CR)

Describes the use of handmade cloth dolls without facial features with 2- and 3-year-olds as a framework for an arts-based emergent curriculum related to body awareness. Shows how children's interests guided the project activities. Discusses the teachers' role in maintaining the content level and interest, and the importance of out-of-classroom…

Specific linguistic characteristics of responses to requests for clarification given by 4 children (ages 3-6) with intellectual impairments were investigated. Analysis focused on children's ability to locate the specific errors that provoked neutral requests for clarification and produce repair. Three children could locate errors and partly…

Three studies explored whether children's tendency to extend object names on the basis of sameness of shape (shape bias) is specific to naming. Findings indicated that 2- and 3-year-olds showed shape bias both when asked to extend a novel name and when asked to select an object of the same kind as a target object; 3-year-olds also showed shape…

Describes one child's fascination with the properties of water during indoor and outdoor activities and discusses how outdoor play allows toddlers to engage in leisurely investigations. Shows how outdoor play allows children to set challenges for themselves, become more engrossed, and less dependent on adults. (KB)

Developed the Toddler Behavior Checklist (TBC) using parental reports of the frequencies of 103 patterns of behavior in children from 9 to 48 months old. Five scales were derived from factor analysis: Oppositional, Immaturity, Emotional Instability, Physical Aggression, and Shyness. Four scales demonstrated excellent reliability; reliability of…

This paper discusses risks to communication development in infants and toddlers. It suggests basic guidelines for assessment of the infant, the interaction, the caregiver, and familial strengths and needs. It also suggests guidelines and resources for intervention with infants at various linguistic stages and with their families. (JDD)

Early language developmental delay within high-risk and handicapped populations is explored, focusing on: basic guidelines and emerging directions in screening, diagnosis, and ongoing evaluation of infants, toddlers, and their families; early intervention activities in neonatal intensive care nurseries and in community settings; and future…

This article focuses on technology applications that can be used by very young children with disabilities. Described are tools for learning, recreation, and living; skills necessary for technology use; methods of integrating toys and switches into the curriculum; technology for augmentative communication; and adapting microcomputers for use by…

This two-phase study describes ways in which family day care providers perceived and implemented their caregiving practices. The study revealed that what family day care providers intended to provide for children--a loving, attentive, play-filled environment--was not consistently provided in practice. (Author/BB)

Results indicated a fairly consistent relationship between Home Observation for Measurement of Environment (HOME) scores and children's developmental status in spite of the fact that there were some ethnic and social status differences in the relationship. Measures of specific aspects of the child's home environment were more strongly related to…

Discusses the importance of the outdoor play area for infant and toddler cognitive, physical and social development. Also discusses design, landscape and arrangement considerations for the play area. (RJC)

Suggestions are offered for strengthening the basic speech, language, and communication skills of young children with hearing impairments, during ordinary periods of interaction at home. Suggestions focus on auditory training, speech drills, and reading, as well as formal and informal language instruction for all family members. (JDD)

Principles of program evaluation and strategic planning are discussed and applied to a case example of the Anne Arundel County (Maryland) Infants and Toddlers Program. This program contended with issues of increased referrals and enrollment, evolution from a child-centered to a family-centered paradigm, and change to community-based provision and…