Information about the early intervention service systems in 20 states was gathered and organized into dimensions of a framework for describing early intervention systems at the state and local levels. Results indicate considerable variation exists on eligibility criteria, agencies involved in early intervention, and models of intake and service…

Case studies of three inclusive early childhood education programs investigated the feasibility of supporting the learning objectives of four children with disabilities through the use embedded learning opportunities. Teachers demonstrated increased use of instructional behaviors toward targeted children and children demonstrated concomitant…

Two studies examined developmental outcomes associated with services in inclusive and self-contained preschool classrooms. Children functioning at relatively higher levels of social and emotional functioning performed better in inclusive settings than in specialized settings and children in full-day classrooms achieved higher rates of progress…

A comparison of the adaptation of 16 Korean and 16 Korean American parents to their children with developmental disabilities found both groups experienced a process of transformation in regard to their feelings about their children. Differences in public policy, social services, and available resources suffused parental accounts of their…

This article recounts the experiences of a pioneer of the Head Start program, a program developed to provide disadvantaged young children with school readiness skills. Influences in the early development of the program are discussed, along with program challenges. The need for standardized performance measures and program evaluation is urged. (CR)

This article argues that the federal government will continue to shape the field of early intervention but in ways that differ from what has been seen in past years. Federal involvement in cross-state variability in eligibility, expected program outcomes, noncompliance, and directed research in perceived areas of need is discussed. (Contains…

This article traces a personal and professional journal that paralleled the growth and direction of personnel preparation in early childhood special education. The development of a professional identity is discussed, along with future trends toward generalist certification and funding early intervention services through a fee-for-service…

This article presents a vision for early childhood personnel preparation that could be achieved by grassroots public support for early intervention through "learning communities". It discusses three areas where changes are critical: collaboration among multiple partners at multiple levels, attending to diversity issues, and promoting family…

Major components of the social support and social systems approach to early intervention are reviewed, reflections are presented, and the future use of the model are discussed. The paper concludes with an overview of a "third generation" model integrating new evidence for studying and practicing family systems intervention. (Contains extensive…

This article discusses why the universal adoption of family-centered values and practice in early intervention is problematic in the context of the current state of early intervention. Recommendations are provided for the new millennium, including participatory research in family-centered early intervention and personnel preparation based on…

This article suggests the need to embed social skills intervention within the more general context of long-term early intervention efforts that promote all dimensions of developmental performance. Results from former clients of the LEAP program are discussed and demonstrate evidence of sustained growth and development over nearly two decades.…

This article identifies three areas in early childhood special education which need further work: working with families to define social outcomes, expanding our definition of social behaviors and moving toward a framework based on social relationships, and developing interventions that are socially valid, ecologically valid, and sustainable across…

Identifies myths about the poor, such as attributing poverty to the breakdown of family, and responds to them with arguments from Richard Weissbourd's book "The Vulnerable Child: What Really Hurts America's Children and What We Can Do About It." Argues for using professional material like Weissbourd's book to better articulate and substantiate…

Describes the goals of and participant responses to a six-step Early Childhood Portfolio Assessment Preparation (ECPAP) Model that was implemented in two early childhood education programs to facilitate the use of portfolio student evaluation. Intended as a guide to supervisors who are training teachers in portfolio assessment, as well as early…

Presents an overview of childrearing practices in India, chronicles government initiatives in early childhood education, describes the range of programs available, and identifies goals that will shape the future of early childhood programs in that country. Identifies universal education, elevation of teacher status, and preservation of community…