The purpose of this article is to: (a) briefly present the rationale for positive behavior support (PBS) as an effective approach for families and their young children with challenging behaviors; (b) identify the a key elements of PBS and the role of families within the planning process; and (c) provide information on how to collaborate…

Once children have entered into the early intervention system, ongoing developmentally appropriate assessment is crucial. A critical component is monitoring child progress in relation to education and intervention goals or outcomes. For infants and toddlers, whose performance often cannot be documented using traditional assessment and…

Inclusive programs and community settings are important contexts to help foster acceptance and understanding among all children. Research has shown that children enrolled in inclusive programs become more accepting of people who are different from them. Inclusion of children with disabilities in classroom activities requires the involvement of…

This book, updated since initial publication in 1989, offers explanations, practical tips, and encouragement for teachers and families of preschool children facing the excitement--and stress--of separation. Topics discussed include ambivalence about separation and attachment, the comfort of routines, understanding the child perspective, supporting…

Children's listening habits and skills are a good predictor of oral language proficiency, reading and writing skills, and later school success. Good listening skills do not simply develop naturally--they must be taught and practiced--yet many teachers do not get training on how to teach children to listen. Using clear language and real-life…

This book follows master educator Elizabeth (Betty) Jones as she teaches an introductory course in early childhood education. She actively engages the students, encouraging them to make decisions, ask questions, and engage in collaborative problem solving--herself modeling the behaviors that should be practiced by adults working with young…

A growing body of evidence confirms that serious and persistent challenging behaviors in early childhood directly relate to later problems in school success, social relationships, educational and vocational success, and social adjustment. Conversely, key social skills associated with learning in group settings include being able to get along with…

This article reviews studies of early diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder. It discusses diagnostic criteria, reliability of early diagnosis, and the need for a comprehensive evaluation. Currently, there are no objective measures that can be used for accurate diagnosis, and the diagnosis remains clinical. Guidelines for evaluation are provided.…

This article reviews the research on the benefits of applied behavior analysis (ABA) for the education of children with autism up to 5 or 6 years of age. The most common models for service delivery are presented (home- based and center- or school-based) and a few recent treatment innovations are discussed. (Contains references.) (CR)

Possible prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal causes of cerebral palsy are explored and a causal pathway theory is presented that provide a methodology to study the impact of the various causal factors. The role of an interdisciplinary team in assessment and program development is discussed and prevention strategies are presented. (Contains…

The rise in the number of children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is discussed and information is offered on behaviors signaling the need for referral in very young children. Positive and negative effects of medications are discussed, along with specific behavioral coping strategies for both home and group care. (Contains…

This article reviews common complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) treatments used to address symptoms of autistic spectrum disorders, including vitamin supplements, medications, antibiotics, antifungals, diet strategies, chelation/mercury detoxification, and nonbiologic treatments. Strategies that professionals may use in assessing the…

This article profiles SpecialCare training, a model of training for home- and center-based childcare providers that fosters collaboration between caregivers and early intervention and early childhood special education personnel to support successful placement of children with disabilities in inclusive child care settings. The training offers a…

This article describes the development and delivery of a special education program at West Virginia University that offers advanced training to early intervention practitioners entirely online. Initial evaluation data is presented on learning outcomes and participant perceptions. Results indicate the technology was both efficient and effective in…

This article addresses the need to refocus the view of the natural environment as a family-chosen placement for early intervention services. Psycho-ecological theories are used to broaden the conception of the natural environment and illuminate possibilities for early intervention that utilize community and home resources while respecting family…