Investigates research evidence that has been cited as supporting long-term benefits of preschool education. Compares preschool education with Britain's 11+ exam program. Proposes a theoretical framework for study of preschool programs that sees preschool not as an isolated educational strategy but as one element in children's transition into…

The study compared maternal judgments about the development of their young disabled children with independently obtained developmental testing data for 53 children. Results indicated (1) maternal and professional estimates were highly correlated; (2) mothers systematically provided higher estimates across developmental domains; and (3) child IQ…

Describes issues and problems inherent in educational intervention for impoverished children. Discusses responsibility for intervention programs with minority groups, assumptions underlying intervention efforts, questions regarding intervention, creation of a psychosocial theory, and tasks involved with future intervention efforts. (RJC)

By recognizing the importance of early transitions for young children with handicaps and viewing transition as a lifelong process, professionals can guide parents in developing skills that can be applied to subsequent transitions throughout the child's life. Described are steps in the transition process, parents' transition skills, and expected…

Analyses of selected demographic data from Gallaudet University's annual survey are presented. Results indicate an increase in the number of hearing-impaired children under age six reported to the survey over the last decade, especially from minority backgrounds. Data from a Texas survey are compared with national data. (Author/PB)

Describes sensory integration dysfunction, a condition in which a child's inefficient neurological system has a negative effect on his or her ability to perform effectively in a school setting. Discusses the role of occupational therapy intervention for preschoolers with sensory integration dysfunction and methods of screening for the dysfunction.…

This article discusses general issues in the provision of early intervention as well as nutrition services in rural areas and presents a case study to illustrate these issues. Barriers identified include transportation, long-distance travel, lack of specialized personnel, and poverty. Recommendations to overcome barriers are highlighted. (JDD)

Investigates the existence of an identifiable core cognitive curriculum operative in early intervention programs as revealed in the developmental inventories used to assess students and in Individual Educational Program (IEP) objectives. Discusses the substance and suitability of this curriculum for developmentally disabled preschoolers. Questions…

This paper presents Professional Practical Knowledge research as a method for studying the observable action and invisible knowledge of early intervention service providers. The research provides practitioners with a special window through which intervention practices can be seen from a fresh perspective. The paper addresses the method's…

Rural Kentucky parents and professionals involved in early intervention for young handicapped children received training on development of individualized family service plans; family-focused services; and problem-solving, team-building and communication skills. Evaluation results, follow-up on participant teams, and recommended changes in training…

Discusses some general statistics and findings about violent juvenile offenders and presents a profile of a typical juvenile male brought to the attention of the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services. Urges thoughtful moral reasoning about at-risk children and the conditions that create the personal traumas that result in their conduct. (SLD)

Although at-risk students often begin school academically behind, Direct Instruction's highly structured approach can help them catch up. Skills are presented orally. Outcomes of Project Follow Through show that children starting Direct Instruction in kindergarten were accelerated about seven months over those who started in first grade. (MLH)

This response to McWilliams (EC 623 401) concerning controversial practices in the treatment of young children with disabilities suggests that social-validity assessments be conducted as well as objective measurements. Strategies are offered for discussing treatment alternatives in terms of objectives, acceptability of procedures, effectiveness…

Examined the extent of family-centered practices in early intervention, professionals' and families' values about the practices, and relation of participants' characteristics to practices. Found that professionals reported more family-centered typical practice than did families. Home-based services were most predictive of frequent reports of…

This article offers guidelines to help agencies develop and write interagency agreements covering the transition of young children with disabilities from early intervention programs to public special education services. Guidelines cover the content and process of writing an agreement and finalizing, signing, and monitoring the agreement. Sample…