A study investigated the interplay among language, culture, and disability in 112 children in inclusive preschools. Results found a lack of language goals on Individualized Education Programs, interaction of language with disability, the influence of communication skills on peer interactions, and the need for more training for service providers.…

Analysis of interview data from 61 elementary principals found a continuing gap between recommended practices and the reality of early childhood inclusion. Principals did not see themselves as part of the solution for early childhood inclusion. Six themes were identified such as personnel concerns, family support issues, the importance of…

Analysis of focus group discussions involving 13 parents of young children with disabilities and 32 professional service providers examined participants' perceptions of inclusion and early intervention. Discussion focused on awareness of early intervention services, barriers and supports to inclusion, notions of service coordination, experiences…

A study of 189 family childcare providers found providers who had experience with children with disabilities were more likely to be willing to care for them in the future. Barriers identified included: lack of knowledge, limitations on caring for other children, and the need to purchase special equipment. (Contains extensive references.)…

Use of a model for systematic ecological assessment was tested in a work experience program for special education inclusion assistants placed in inclusive preschools. Preliminary evaluation data suggest that the model produces integrated developmental activities, use of peer mediation, and a play-based approach to discrete skill development.…

This article compares recommended practices identified by the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Similarities and differing emphases are noted in the areas of inclusion, family involvement, assessment, program planning, curriculum and intervention strategies, service…

This article examines research on classroom-based interventions as they relate to promoting inclusion and addresses challenges facing the special education field, including the increasing diversity of the children served and of early childhood service delivery systems. The need to expand the research base on effective instructional approaches is…

Judgment based assessment (JBA) in early childhood special education is discussed in its theoretical context and noted are three trends: (1) the widening of JBA to include emotional characteristics and developmental processes; (2) inclusion of such informants as peers and persons with disabilities; and (3) development of new methods for eliciting…

This article addresses the needs of students infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus, infection control precautions, and recommendations for personnel and policy development necessary to create a safe educational environment. The article contends that thoughtful, well-implemented policy decisions on the part of local education agencies can make…

This study investigated the nature of kindergarten children's understanding about and attitudes toward disabilities. Interviews with 77 Canadian children enrolled in inclusive classrooms showed that kindergarten children (a) conceptualize disabilities chiefly according to physical appearances and (b) possess a fairly accurate understanding of some…

This case study investigated how planning, communication, and decision making across program boundaries took place when a public school district relocated one of its early childhood special education classrooms to a private childcare facility in order to enable social interaction with typically developing children. Logistical barriers impeded…

Providing appropriate programs for young children with disabilities is a priority of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1990 (IDEA), recently reauthorized as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) of 2004. The IDEIA requires that programs be provided in natural or least restrictive environments, and…

A survey of 400 early childhood personnel in northwestern Ohio identified personnel characteristics associated with an interest in caring for young children with special needs. Most respondents were interested in providing care but cited lack of knowledge as a barrier to providing inclusive childcare. (Author/CR)

Play represents an important component of early childhood education and is linked to the development of communication and social skills, particularly for children with developmental disabilities who often lack play skills. Structured teaching is a systematic method that entails visually arranging and organizing the learning environment. Although…

Employing typically developing children and adults as models of appropriate behavior for children with autism and other developmental disabilities has been a common practice for more than four decades, and peer modeling serves as one of the theoretical cornerstones of inclusion and related innovations. In addition to examining adult and peer…