Issues affecting inclusion of young children with disabilities over the last 25 years are discussed. A brief history of early childhood inclusion is followed by a discussion of definition, terminology, and models for inclusive services. A summary of synthesis points derived from the research literature focuses on critical outcomes for children…

Adult support of 12 specific friendship dyads involving 3- to 5-year-old children with and without developmental delays was investigated through semi-structured interviews with the children's parents and teachers. Most respondents described these friendships as harmonious and important for the emotional benefits that these relationships provided…

The purpose of this study was to examine how total duration of social play of preschool children with disabilities varied as a function of both chronological and developmental age of their social partners. Fifty-five 33- to 60-month-old children with mild to moderate developmental delays were observed in dyadic play situations with four different…

The purpose of this study was to examine how total duration of social play of preschool children with disabilities varied as a function of both chronological and developmental age of their social partners. Fifty-five 33- to 60-month-old children with mild to moderate developmental delays were observed in dyadic play situations with four different…

A study of 8,696 infants and toddlers eligible for early intervention services in North Carolina from 1991-1996 found the majority were identified as having a developmental delay, with the mean age of entry into the system at approximately 17 months. Notable trends included an increase in parent referrals. (Contains references.) (CR)

Content analysis of focus groups attended by 86 early intervention specialists revealed six factors affecting professional comfort with consultation: (1) child characteristics, (2) consultee characteristics, (3) program characteristics, (4) consultant characteristics, (5) available resources, and (6) consultant's history with the program. No…

Interviews were conducted with 92 parents and practitioners to examine their views of quality inclusive child care. Findings confirmed the two-dimensional view of quality inclusion to encompass both general early childhood practices and individualization. For each dimension, program features, resources, strategies, and outcomes associated with…

This study examined professional comfort of 84 early intervention professionals in providing consultation about children with varying types, severity levels, and combinations of disabilities. Analysis suggested that more discomfort was reported if the child had severe disabilities or difficulties in communication and behavior. Additional training…

A study assessed the attitudes of 52 general early childhood teachers serving young children with disabilities in inclusive early childhood settings. Findings indicated teachers' comfort levels decreased as the severity of the child's disability increased and were lowest when the child had severe disabilities in leg functioning, muscle tone, and…

This comment on "Extending the 'Comfort Zone' To Include Every Child" (Giangreco) defends research on teachers' comfort levels with young children with disabilities. The importance of asking teachers about their concerns regarding inclusive placements in order to meet teachers' needs for information, training, and support is emphasized. (CR)

A total of over 400 parents, teachers, therapists, and child development specialists in early intervention and preschool programs evaluated the ABILITIES Index, which describes the functional abilities and limitations of children across 9 domains. Satisfaction ratings across five dimensions were generally positive, with parents consistently rating…

The friendship status of 58 preschoolers with disabilities in inclusive child care settings in North Carolina was examined. The majority of children were found to have at least one friend. Associated factors included diagnosis, developmental level, behavioral characteristics, characteristics of the friend, similarities between the child and the…

This study examined preferences for consultation models and styles among 67 professionals who worked in early intervention programs in Colorado. Participants preferred a collaborative approach involving shared responsibility across all stages of the consultation process and a directive style of sharing specific strategies to address the concerns…