Rather than viewing an early intervention team in isolation, a systems perspective considers the interrelationships and interdependence of the various elements comprising service delivery for children with disabilities. This article proposes a model, a multilayered framework, that takes into account the larger system of community and organization…

A test of 32 children's hip and knee extensors found that children born blind or with low vision are at risk of developing weak lower-limb extensors, with congenitally blind children at greatest risk. After correcting for lean body weight, the differences between sighted children and those with low vision were insignificant. Results support the…

Presents a model that was used for 36 community forums designed to bring together diverse community members to learn about and collaborate on early childhood inclusion. The history and critical features of community forums are described, along with basic principles of community change supporting the model. (Author/CR)

Examines the evidence base for autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) intervention, distinguishing between experimental work identifying a treatment effect and research establishing ecological validity. Asserts that research should address which program components are helpful for which children and families in which contexts. Draws on current…

Estimated effects of high participation in Infant Health and Development Program targeting low-birth-weight (LBW) premature infants. Found that at age 8, effects of attending more than 400 days on scores on the Weschler Intelligence Scale for Children Full and Verbal Scales was 7 to 10 points. Effects were 14 points for heavier LBW infants and 8…

Research seeks to determine key elements in sustainability of projects to reorient an aspect of their service to an early intervention approach in mental health. Findings confirm literature on capacity building which suggests several crucial predictors of success in changing the ways agencies run. These include the development of interagency…

Considers if Reading Recovery students continue to make gains after discontinuation or the end of their programs. Investigates if a majority of the Reading Recovery students at Culver Elementary School, Evansville, Indiana achieve average reading levels at the end of their program. Concludes that Reading Recovery is successful at this school. (SG)

This article describes a school-wide system of early identification and intervention for children recognized as being at risk for learning and behavior difficulties. Suggested guidelines for implementing such a program include: evaluating existing theory, knowledge, and practice; providing ongoing professional development; creating a school-wide…

Describes the "Educate Your Child" program, a Cuban family-based program supported by UNICEF and designed to enhance the total development of children from birth until the start of formal schooling for the 80 percent of Cuban children who do not attend the Children's Circle preschool program. Highlights the importance of the regional…

Recent research on temperament and attachment theory highlights the importance of early intervention to helping children develop secure attachments and prevent mental illnesses. A mental illness curriculum for nursing students should integrate concepts from psychiatry and public health to prepare community-based for participation in intervention.…

This article first reviews early social and communication indicators of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in infants and toddlers. It then reviews evidence-based intervention practices for children with ASD and identifies principles for providing intervention for infants and toddlers at risk for ASD. Issues addressed include providing intervention in…

Examines the effects of a literacy intervention in kindergarten using a control-group design. States that three treatment groups were taught using beginning-reading booklets to complement the authorized language program. Indicates that children's knowledge of early literacy concepts increased during kindergarten and that this improved students'…

This paper describes Project ASSIST, an early intervention pilot project involving 40 Singaporean infants with disabilities (ages 2-5) that integrated children with mild disabilities into mainstream preschool centers. Results indicated high levels of peer and school personnel acceptance and the feasibility of integrating children with disabilities…

Presents a conceptual model of strong school-based interventions. Notes strong interventions are ecological in nature, naturalistic in scope, contain elements from the research base that are predictive for success, and incorporate the constructs of social validity in a practical manner. Provides suggestions and implications for strong school-based…

Presents the theoretical background for the concept of mastery motivation and describes three characteristics of mastery motivation in toddlers: behavioral manifestations in multiple domains, developmental changes in those manifestations, and the influence of the socializing environment. Implications for assessment of individual differences and…