Describes an alternative, multicomponent assessment model that increases the probability of early identification of at-risk children who demonstrate the potential to be gifted. The model combines the use of traditional intelligence tests with nontraditional assessment strategies, including behavioral observations and curriculum-based assessment.…

Analysis of focus group discussions involving 13 parents of young children with disabilities and 32 professional service providers examined participants' perceptions of inclusion and early intervention. Discussion focused on awareness of early intervention services, barriers and supports to inclusion, notions of service coordination, experiences…

Describes a field-based outcome-measure study in which a family-systems curriculum was designed and implemented in a graduate clinical preparation program in speech-language pathology. In addition, families' perceptions of the pediatric speech-language assessment process were evaluated. Clinical competencies for preservice and professional…

To address the shortage of qualified early interventionists for young rural children with disabilities, the University of Alaska Fairbanks developed a Master's program that used distance education at remote practicum sites during fall and spring and on-campus instruction during the summer. The program has fostered university-rural community…

Examines current educational reforms and their influences against a backdrop of historical change in education. Suggests future directions of school psychology and proposes a renewed emphasis on science. Assessment is reexamined with a focus on empirically based intervention and a systematic evaluation of outcomes. Discusses the implications and…

A study of 16 children (ages 2-4) with autism and pervasive developmental disorders found that children involved in home-based services before and after age 3 all demonstrated significant changes on six developmental domains but there were no significant differences between age groups. Improvement in communication, cognitive and social-emotional…

This commentary on "The Effects of Family-Centered Service Coordination: A Social Validity Study" (Romer), discusses the challenges of implementing family-centered service coordination and variables such as caseload size, models of service coordination, and models of staff development that might have an impact on these challenges. (CR)

This study examined the contributions of six variables (age at start, disability severity, mother's marital status, mother's education level, mother's employment status, and program intensity) to cognitive and motor developmental progress of 75 young children in an early-intervention program. Cognitive development was most affected by age at…

A study compared scores on the Developmental Diagnostic Profile for 68 children with emotional/behavioral difficulties on entry to a nurture group, on exit, and after two years of mainstreaming. Emotional/behavioral difficulties were significantly reduced upon exit. Current data reveal that in 16 of 20 sub-strands, improvement has been primarily…

This introductory article discusses the large numbers of infants and young children affected by behavioral and emotional problems that pose salient challenges for clinical assessment and management. It examines barriers to the delivery of mental health services and stresses the need to develop data concerning efficacy and effectiveness of…

Discusses the results of a survey in England of 89 local education agencies (LEAs) and 89 social service departments (SSDs), that investigated the audiological support to young children with hearing impairments. Results indicated interagency collaboration and that LEAs were more likely to provide separate services for children with hearing…

A survey of 984 mothers in Bavaria of young children with disabilities investigated their views regarding cooperation and what they expect to achieve from parent-expert partnerships. Results indicate dialoguing with professionals and model learning during intervention is the most helpful way for parents to learn how to cope with their child.…

This article discusses the outcomes of a project that used a community development framework to implement change in early care and intervention services in two culturally diverse communities. It describes how community forums and parent leadership training assisted in change efforts and lessons learned from implementation and evaluating reforms.…

A team of university and school personnel applied layers of interventions across 2 years to 34 students who fell below their class averages in reading skills in kindergarten and first grade. Although reading failure rates declined, the interventions did not significantly decrease the proportion of children identified for special education.…

This article describes development of an interdisciplinary personnel preparation program at Western Kentucky University to prepare students to work with children (birth through age 5) with disabilities and their families. The program includes the fields of special education, social work, school psychology, and communication disorders. The article…