Lists candidates for National Head Start Association (NHSA) elected positions and announces four new awards sponsored by the NHSA. Recognizes the Missouri State Highway Patrol for its work with Head Start children. Presents a draft report on the NHSA Quality Initiative, a system designed to promote quality in Head Start and to provide challenges…

Speech language pathologists providing early intervention services for stuttering are urged to evaluate conceptual and practical aspects of various intervention procedures. After a review of three treatment methods (environment manipulation, prolonged speech, and response-contingent stimulation), the article concludes that response-contingent…

This article reviews research concerning (1) myths surrounding parents with mental retardation, (2) how life experiences of adults with mental retardation impact their parenting, and (3) characteristics of early intervention programs that meet the needs of parents with mental retardation. (DB)

This article presents a framework for providing services to infants with disabilities and their families, by conceptualizing early intervention in terms of levels of prevention. Primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of prevention are proposed to prevent the manifestation, severity, or extended impact of developmental delays; and implications for…

Two approaches for early intervention with Head Start children are described: a child-centered intradynamic approach using one-to-one play therapy, and a family-centered ecological system which works with the family unit and other support agencies. Criteria are discussed for determining the applicability of either modality in individual cases.…

Examines the potential for community-based day care as intervention. Considers evidence that day care for disadvantaged children has beneficial outcomes maintained over time; the importance of program quality; and the desirability of an ecological perspective. Concludes by noting that high-quality care should be available to all children in…

The first of two studies examined the family literacy experiences of 10 young children in Britain. The second study traced the literacy progress of 66 first-year students, together with teachers' predictions and subsequent interventions. Findings indicated teachers' informal judgements did identify students with later problems but there was wide…

Describes a model for conducting functional assessment in the home. The model uses a trans-disciplinary technical-assistance team to assess and plan interventions for young children with severe challenging behaviors. Discussion includes the kind of information needed, specific examples of data collection in the home, and the benefits and barriers…

Examined juvenile firesetters of varying degrees to determine predictability of destructive behavior. Developed a prediction equation based on 14 variables, which was found to be accurate 95% of the time. (LBT)

In assessing future prospects of the field of behavioral disorders, examines two areas: (1) early intervention for prevention and (2) inclusion and preparation of teachers. Discusses the need for increased attention to scientific and data-based decision making in the areas of early intervention and teacher preparation, and the establishment of…

This response to Mahoney et al. (EC 623 392) by a faculty/researcher, a practitioner, and a parent of a child with disabilities, suggests that the term "parent education" be eliminated from the early-intervention lexicon. These four perspectives agree that the term is belittling to parents and does not offer any particular benefits to trainers,…

Major components of the social support and social systems approach to early intervention are reviewed, reflections are presented, and the future use of the model are discussed. The paper concludes with an overview of a "third generation" model integrating new evidence for studying and practicing family systems intervention. (Contains extensive…

Presents preliminary findings of the Scottish National Evaluation of the Early Intervention Programme (EIP), which aims to improve literacy and numeracy skills in grades 1-2. Examines stakeholders' perceptions of EIP's main purpose and teachers' views of its impact on practice. Explores how "early intervention" is interpreted at the…

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)

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) continues to be a complex condition to assess and treat, particularly in young children. Nevertheless, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to help attenuate or even prevent certain undesirable effects. This article describes the disorder as manifested by children under age 5, discusses…