This article describes the SCERTS Model, which prioritizes social communication, emotional regulation, and transactional support as the primary developmental dimensions that programs supporting young children with autistic spectrum disorders must address. The SCERTS Model has been derived from theoretical and empirical bases, is consistent with…

There is an increased incidence of language-learning disabilities with dyslexia by school age. As infants and toddlers, these children have neuromotor and speech dysfunction within their first year. This article postulates that the language and motor dysfunction is caused by infantile presentation of developmental dyspraxia rather than a…

Effects of differences between home and child care were studied, focusing on expectations and values of caregivers and of parents of toddlers in Australia from Vietnamese, Somali, and Anglo-Australian backgrounds. Preliminary data show that parents from minority ethnic groups selected child care paralleling child's home experiences. Parents using…

Advocates the use of literacy routines within the caregiving or learning environment to promote emergent literacy. Presents suggestions for literacy routines for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers to build competencies that serve as the groundwork for reading, writing, speaking, viewing, and listening. Suggests that teachers, parents, and other…

Analysis of data for the NICHD Study of Early Child Care revealed different prediction models for children (n=5,416). Early home environment, later behavior problems, and children's health problems contributed to identification by medical professionals, while early home environment and socioeconomic status contributed to identification based on…

Early intervention professionals (N=95) rated their own knowledge and skills in 16 areas of competency. The paper analyzes the distinction between knowledge and skills, identification of item clusters, and changes in ratings over time. Findings provide partial support for the usefulness of self-ratings in the context of inservice education. (JDD)

Discusses calls for Head Start to expand its services for children from birth to three years and to devise standards for infants and toddlers. Recent policy decisions resulting in such expansion are discussed. The need for Head Start staff involved with infant and toddler care to be trained about infancy is considered in detail. (BG)

Toddlers in the lowest 10th percentile for lexical production were compared with age- and language-matched controls on measures of phonetic complexity, lexical development, and grammatical complexity. Results indicate an overlap between phonology, lexicon, and grammar and suggest the importance of true consonant production for lexical development.…

The Infant Health and Development Program was an eight-site randomized controlled trial of comprehensive early intervention for low birthweight, premature infants from birth to age three. Higher mental development and IQ were associated with high levels of intervention participation at 24 and 36 (but not 12) months. A dose-response relation…

Tested the hypothesis that toddlers labeled "developmentally delayed" would be perceived by adults more negatively than toddlers described as having normal development. Results indicated that female undergraduates' perceptions of toddlers can be influenced by labeling independent of toddlers' behavior. (BB)

A nationwide survey of 63 college and university programs offering degrees in education of the deaf found that fewer than half offered specializations in early intervention, curriculum content and practicum experience were highly variable, very few programs had accreditation in parent-infant education, and program expansion efforts were hampered…

This content analysis of 39 state definitions of "developmentally delayed infants and toddlers" for Part H of Public Law 99-457 focused on types of children, conditions listed as established conditions, criteria used to determine delay, and criteria delineated for "at risk" status. The analysis found some type of problem in…

A peer modeling procedure was shown to induce swallowing in a young child with dysphagia, and to increase food acceptance in a young child who consistently declined food. A peer-mediated procedure, consisting of rotated opportunities to consume food with a peer, increased consumption more than did modeling alone. (Author/JDD)

Examined middle and lower class Anglo-American and Puerto Rican mothers' sociocultural values and perceptions of attachment behavior. Anglo mothers focused on self-confidence, independence, and autonomy, whereas Puerto Rican mothers focused on obedience, relatedness, and demeanor. Findings indicate the need for culturally sensitive models of the…

Describes a high school day care program which allows teenage mothers to stay in school and provides their child with school readiness opportunities. (BB)