Examines the changes in perspective involved when early childhood teachers are promoted to administrators, focusing on leadership roles. Discusses stages of growth for administrators and the implications of these stages for effective leadership. (KB)

Used ethnographic techniques to examine the knowledge of American teachers who had taught young Japanese children, regarding the role of culture in Japanese children's play. Found that Japanese children's play reflected the cultural value of interdependence, but that nonsocial play was also present. Teachers reported few play differences between…

Uses ecological perspective to discuss the basic needs of young homeless or transient children and how early-childhood practitioners can meet their immediate and long-term needs. Presents suggestions for supporting homeless/transient children in the classroom. Discusses how empowering teachers can create more positive attitudes toward, and…

This study utilized an electronic data linkage method to examine the effects of risk factors present at birth on language development in preschool. The Preschool Language Scale-3 (PLS-3) was administered to 853 low-income children, and cumulative risk data were abstracted from linked birth records. At least one risk factor was present in 94% of…

Young children with developmental delays can benefit from early intervention under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) only if they are identified and served before the age of 3 years. IDEA mandates Child Find activities to promote access to Part C services, that is, to promote identification of children and referral…

This qualitative study evaluated the impact on program graduates of two personnel preparation projects founded on a family-centered preservice model and funded by the Office of Special Education Programs. Three cohorts totaling 22 participants were interviewed to (a) determine their attitudes and skill level in working with a diverse group of…

Employing typically developing children and adults as models of appropriate behavior for children with autism and other developmental disabilities has been a common practice for more than four decades, and peer modeling serves as one of the theoretical cornerstones of inclusion and related innovations. In addition to examining adult and peer…

The Family-Centered Preschool Model is a family support model for center-based preschool programs. The model utilizes family consultants-parents of children with disabilities-to augment the support provided by classroom professionals. Family consultants coordinate and facilitate formal and informal family supports, maintain a close liaison with…

The effect of a professional development program on the quality of care provided for infants and toddlers was assessed with a sample of 160 caregivers in 96 infant?toddler rooms in 48 childcare programs. Caregivers participated in a 3-month training course with a standardized curriculum of five 3-hour group classes and an out-of-class project. A…

Early Head Start (EHS) is a comprehensive, two-generation program that provides services to low income families with children under the age of 3 years. As part of their mandate, staff members of EHS programs collaborate with other service providers in their local communities, including Part C and childcare providers. The incidence of disabilities…

In this study, the authors compared the self-reported needs of and sources of supports for African American and European American caregivers of young children with disabilities living in urban and rural areas. One hundred twenty caregivers of young children in one state's early intervention (EI) system responded to two instruments, the "Family…

Effective implementation of service coordination in early intervention, as mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, remains a challenge for most states. The present study provides a better understanding of the various aspects of the policy infrastructure that undergird service coordination across the United States. Data from a…

In this study, the authors repeated an earlier analysis and comparison of state eligibility policies under the Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities Program, Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and the preschool special education program, Part B, Section 619, of IDEA. The impact of federal and state policy changes in…

The authors collected data from 48 states and the District of Columbia regarding state policies that affect the participation of children with medical needs in licensed childcare. They began with a more narrowly focused agenda of identifying policies affecting children with medically complex needs, but because few regulations are directed to this…

This article provides a description of the "Asset-Based Context Matrix" (ABC Matrix). The ABC Matrix is an assessment tool for designing interventions for children in natural learning environments. The tool is based on research evidence indicating that children's learning is enhanced in contextually meaningful learning environments. The ABC Matrix…