Book Description

This book is designed to provide guidance on effective practices that are related to better outcomes for young children with disabilities, their families, and the personnel who serve them. Practices were identified through focus groups of stakeholders: practitioners, personnel trainers, researchers, administrators, and family members. These practices were integrated with those found from an extensive review of the literature. The resulting practices underwent a field validation. After an introductory chapter, chapters are provided that list recommended practices in the following areas: (1) assessment; (2) child-focused interventions; (3) family-based interventions; (4) interdisciplinary models; (5) technology applications; (6) polices, procedures, and systems change; and (7) personnel preparation. Each of these chapters begins with an introductory statement written by the research strand chair and includes the organizing principles or key features that serve as the foundation of each strand. Also included are definitions of terms that are specific to the strand. A listing of the recommended practices follows. Chapters 9 and 10 discuss methods and activities used to produce the recommended practices and provide applications to illustrate ways the practices can be used in the field. Appendices include information on applicable federal laws and resources and position papers. (Chapters include references.) (CR)