Explores the social interaction of young children with disabilities in inclusive, center-based settings by describing the social interaction of very young children with disabilities and investigating strategies used to promote these interactions. These strategies include peer-mediated, child-mediated, and teacher-mediated strategies. (Author/CR)

A study of 42 persons involved in providing early intervention services investigated perspectives on reporting abuse and neglect of children with disabilities. Participants described relatively few strengths within current reporting systems and several challenges affecting decisions to report abuse or neglect. Recommendations for reducing these…

Examines early-intervention entitlements currently extended by all states. Perspectives from the legislative process, federal and state implementation, judicial interpretation, and professional views are included. Distinctions among the key provisions for differing early intervention service systems are presented, legal cases are reviewed, and…

Outlines a process that uses recognized standards in educational measurement to validate behavioral indicators for personnel in early intervention. Results from Georgia's validation process are presented. Recommendations for future validations and use of behavioral indicators are highlighted. (Author/CR)

Provides a coherent framework to help states examine their personnel development systems and provides steps for the development and implementation of an integrated service delivery and personnel development system for early intervention. A model consisting of 12 key elements for planning and implementing a comprehensive system is presented. (CR)

Directors of 86 day care centers were surveyed to determine factors affecting the availability of day care services for preschool children with special health care needs. Barriers to admission included restrictive admittance requirements, lack of staff, fear of not meeting a child's needs, and lack of trained personnel. (Author/CR)

Argues that reading children's picture books to babies is an underestimated resource for addressing parenting skills and developmental issues, for providing emotional attachment and satisfaction, and for promoting basic literacy. The program "Read to Me" is described as an inexpensive, nondidactic and pleasurable intervention model for use with…

Reviews the construct of attachment, its role as a motivational system in infancy, and its development in the first three years. Emphasizes that attachment must be assessed in the context of particular infant-parent relationships, and reviews specific infant and caregiver behaviors salient to the assessment of attachment. (Author/CR)

Provides a case analysis of a child with a medically complex profile in which early-intervention staff and special-education staff worked to determine family priorities and utilized the local hospice agency to devise creative programming that meets the needs of the family and child. (Author/CR)

An analysis of transcripts from focus groups of service providers and parents of children diagnosed with autism found convergence in the areas of collaboration, family support, financial issues, equity, early identification, advocacy, training, and inclusion. Divergent themes included access, home programming, the law, best practice, and…

Discusses the deterioration of the health of international adoptees due to increased placements of children from economically troubled countries and a shift from foster to institutional care prior to adoption. The role of early-intervention programs in identifying problems, rehabilitating the child, and supporting the family is discussed.…

A survey explored funding strategies used in 16 community-based programs serving infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. Results pointed to two general funding sources: pooling or decategorization of public funds, and use of donated/raised funds for use by one or more programs to pay for unmet needs. (Author/CR)

Defines the emerging role of the newborn developmental specialist as one which provides interdisciplinary leadership, education, mentoring, and system change skills necessary for comprehensive developmental programs and describes the training and experience necessary for this advanced practice position. (Author/CR)

Provides an overview of technology solutions for young children who have developmental concerns. Discusses the rationale for developmentally appropriate assistive technology and the use of high-tech computer-based solutions. Issues related to selecting appropriate hardware and software applications and a review of play-based software options are…

Describes the multiple needs of the substance-abusing mother and her infant, challenges faced by people working with this population, and the experience of a comprehensive-care treatment facility in meeting those needs. General recommendations for practitioners treating this unique population are also included. (Author/CR)