This article reviews three salient issues faced by the staff of the Peabody College as one of the first early intervention inclusive programs: child recruitment, appropriate service delivery, and relative lack of barriers to inclusion. Program successes are juxtaposed with issues faced by contemporary early intervention approaches to inclusion.…

This article presents strategies intended to enhance the efficacy of early intervention inservice training efforts, including: basing training activities on participants' needs, specifying goals and outcomes, specifying objectives and linking them to outcomes, linking specific inservice training activities to objectives, and using model sites to…

A survey of 388 early intervention programs for hearing impairments found the number of children in the first year of life who are enrolled is lower than those enrolled in their second and third years and that parent-centered intervention and child-centered intervention is offered in the majority of programs. (Contains references.) (CR)

This article presents information about the auditory and speech development of infants with normal hearing and those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Methods of assessing hearing, evidence of auditory learning prior to birth, behavior assessment procedures, hearing aid use, and early identification and speech development are discussed. (Contains…

Addresses effects of beliefs of professionals working with families of children with disabilities and/or from culturally different groups. Considered are beliefs about groups of people such as stereotypes and generalizations, beliefs about what disabilities mean, beliefs about parenting skills, and beliefs about goal setting. Greater awareness of…

A study of state Part H coordinators investigated conflict management in early-intervention systems. Results found that 41 state agencies have already established a formal statewide mediation option for resolution of disputes related to Part H between families of infants and young children and early-intervention agencies and programs. (CR)

Five full-term and five preterm children with blindness (age 12 months) were visited at home with their families every two weeks for two years. An individualized, disability-specific early intervention that used different types of parent involvement was successful in accelerating development of the full-term infants, particularly in orientation…

A study explored the self and environmental perceptions of six talented high school students of Puerto Rican descent who were underachieving. The absence of early appropriate academic experiences thwarted students' possibilities of developing their high abilities or talents. A model explaining underachievement and suggestions for meeting students'…

Reflects on issues presented in C. Dudley-Marling and S. Murphy's critique of Reading Recovery, published in this journal's March 1997 issue. Argues that their critique is paralyzing because it could be used against any successful social or educational program. Argues that educators cannot afford to become paralyzed but must continue to make a…

Evaluated the effectiveness of a prenatal-education program in increasing prenatal care utilization, improving maternal weight gain, and reducing low-birthweight births among adolescents. Data from weekly program reports and state vital statistics and health services information indicated that program participants were less likely to have…

The team approach recognizes that children have multifaceted needs that cannot be effectively addressed by a single service provider. Although "Partnerships in Family-Centered Intervention" is directed toward early-intervention settings, it is a useful text for preservice teachers, family members, and others involved in the educational process.…

Researchers have compiled clear, convincing evidence of what works in early childhood education. Intensive intervention in the early years can make a dramatic difference. To create early learning environments, schools should hire qualified teachers, keep classes small, engage children in learning, design room to grow, test gently, and involve…

Describes how the clinical early intervention assessment report (CAR) can be used as a tool to promote family-centered practice. Strategies and examples for incorporating a family perspective into the CAR are presented, along with suggestions for using family-friendly terminology. An example of a rewritten CAR is provided. (Author/CR)

A study examined the role of functional analysis as the basis for development of behavior management programs for three preschool boys with developmental disabilities. The maintaining factors for all three boys were relatively easily identified during formal functional analysis assessment and effective intervention programs were designed and…

Discusses the importance of early intervention and the necessity of providing support for at risk first graders to circumvent the cycle of failure that, once begun, persists. Presents a study comparing the effects of tutoring fourth graders by a trained prospective teacher and an untrained college athlete. Finds no significant difference in…