Reviews three areas of limitations in the comparative evaluations of early intervention alternatives for disabled children presented in this volume: (1) inaccurate outcomes measures; (2) a misconception of parent training programs as representing true family involvement; (3) and the lack of control over the integrity of treatment given study…

This article highlights the complexity of and critical need for service coordination for medically fragile infants and their families through an in-depth case study of a child and his family who "slipped through the cracks" of the system. The retrospective analysis describes problems and suggests alternative strategies for more effective…

This paper reviews the need for formalized training of school psychologists in early childhood education and intervention with children who have disabilities. A training model and preservice training grant to prepare school psychologists to work with culturally diverse preschool children are presented. Challenges faced during the first two years…

A survey of 1,085 seventh and eleventh graders assessed the impact of parents, peers, siblings, advertising, and sponsorship as role models influencing attitudes toward smoking and smoking behavior. Results suggest that intervention programs need to address nicotine addiction and be in place before grade seven. (JOW)

This paper identifies four key issues in the implementation of Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) to provide services to young handicapped children as required by Public Law 99-457. These include sensitivity to cultural diversity, family assessment, intrusiveness, and establishing family outcomes. A typology of family outcomes which…

The article describes Louisiana's approach to implementing Individualized Family Service Plans, including four model formats developed by early intervention service providers and families of young children with disabilities. Formats differ in the way the required elements are expressed, allowing application to the unique characteristics of…

A family-focused intervention model was implemented with 16 families having young children (birth to 3 years) with moderate or severe disabilities. Individualized Family Service Plans were formulated and implemented, resulting in high levels of parental satisfaction, accelerated rates of progress by the children, and acquisition of functional…

This study compared three written surveys intended to help identify family strengths and needs during the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) process. Subjects were 48 mothers of children enrolled in early intervention programs and 25 program providers. Mothers tended to prefer written surveys to personal interviews and rated the surveys'…

Effects of preschool education beyond increase in intelligence quotient (IQ) are explored. The conclusion that preschool programs engender relatively few lasting beyond-IQ effects is challenged by L. J. Schweinhart and D. P. Weikart in their response contending that preschool education enhances general competence throughout life. (SLD)

Described is the Ninos Especiales Program, a 3-year demonstration project in Hartford, Connecticut, which provided culturally sensitive early intervention services to 34 infants with severe disabilities and their families of Puerto Rican heritage. Included is information on program philosophy, services, evaluation, and participating families.…

This paper describes content analysis as a data analysis technique useful for examining written or verbal communication within early intervention. The article outlines the use of referential or thematic recording units derived from interview data, identifies procedural guidelines, and addresses issues of rigor and validity. (Author/JDD)

This speech (1) outlines the educational mission of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development; (2) points out the growing recognition by member governments that support for preschool and early intervention programs is a worthwhile investment; and (3) maintains that governments alone should not attempt to mastermind the policies…

A questionnaire about "spoiling" an infant was completed by 303 parents. Three types of spoiling beliefs (disbelievers, believers, and happy spoilers) were identified and correlated with demographics, definitions of spoiling, and belief about spoiling's impact on development. Results have implications for early interventionists working…

Examined the relationship between physical discipline at home, as reported by parents, and children's aggressive behaviors at school. Children who required physical discipline at home exhibited more aggressive behaviors than other children. Children who received frequent physical discipline exhibited more acting-out behaviors than children who…

This article reviews experimental studies of home-based early interventions for infants at biological risk and their families. The paper presents a description of developmental interventions in intensive care nurseries, a rationale for continuing developmental interventions (in particular, home-based services), and implications for early…