Collaborative early intervention (EI) service delivery is enhanced by professional development focused on knowledge and skills in the content and process of delivering services. This article describes a multicomponent online professional development course designed to build infant toddler specialists' capacity to support children with…

The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasing, and the pressure on families to make the "right" intervention choices for their children is not only a legitimate concern but one with great consequences. In this article the author discusses the responsibility and the need for researchers, policy makers, teacher trainers, and…

Employing qualitative methods, administrators' understanding and use of family-centered practices were examined. Results indicate differences in role perceptions and service delivery based on their level of understanding. Administrators with a comprehensive understanding of family-centered practices, in comparison to administrators with limited or…

Researchers report mental health disparities that indicate that children and families with the highest need for services often are less likely to use them. Only a few investigators have focused on service delivery models to address underuse of services. This study examines the Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC)/University of California,…

This qualitative research study examined professional mothers' views about their employment in the field of early intervention, their roles with other families, and the place such employment has in their lives. Fourteen mothers working in the field of early intervention after having children with disabilities were interviewed. We examined their…

This article provides comments on an article by Dunst and Bruder. Families, practitioners, researchers, and policy makers have been involved with federal and state-funded early intervention programs for children with disabilities and special health care needs for a very long time. The authors have provided valuable information to lay a stronger…

Comments on an article by Dunst and Bruder. Twenty years ago, amendments to the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (P.L. 99-457, 1986) included language that required each state early intervention system to ensure that families had access to a case manager. The article by the authors and the study conducted as part of the Research and…

This paper reacts to testimony on early childhood special education research before the President's Commission on Excellence in Special Education (EC 632 080). It supports the recommendations made by the authors of that paper and suggests that, in addition, recommendations be developed that address a broader systems perspective. (Contains 5…

Analyses of data from over 6,000 Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) in Indiana revealed that on average half the service hours on IFSPs were actually delivered to children and families. Most commonly delivered early intervention services were special instruction and occupational, physical, and speech therapy. Rates of delivered services…

This response to an article evaluating Indiana's early intervention service delivery (EC 628 669) based on the state's comprehensive data system evaluates the amount of services provided, type of services, the service system, and the service delivery model. Analysis indicates continuing gaps between federal law requirements and implementation in…

This response to an article evaluating Indiana's early intervention service delivery (EC 628 669) notes additional important aspects such as the central finance model used, the value of the Indiana data system in tracking the amount and type of services provided, the incentive provided to complete all the Individual Family Service Plan data…

This response to an article evaluating Indiana's early intervention service delivery (EC 628 669) identifies implications of the study including: service intensity is relatively light; service location and context and the process of Individualized Family Service Plan formulation should be examined; implementation should be treated as an…

A study explored the orientation of 32 Finnish professionals in child neurological units toward child assessment and planning. Results indicate that practices were not implemented consistently and that professionals' varying perceptions of the concept of comprehensiveness and family involvement interfered with implementation of guidelines for…

A study involving 44 New Jersey early intervention programs estimated the cost of services. Variables affecting cost were: types of staff providing services, time allocations of providers, services setting and type, wage rates, and staff-child ratio. A fee-for-service system is discussed as a way to increase incentives for efficiency. (Contains…

This article presents an agenda for educational change that identifies core issues in early childhood inclusion as well as the mechanisms and strategies to address those issues at the systems, program development, and research levels. Recommendations include development and dissemination of effective practices and evidence-based guidelines.…