This handbook was written as a resource for Early Childhood Services (ECS) operators in Alberta (Canada) who are applying for Program Unit Grants (PUG). An introduction explains the principles of ECS in providing a coordinated system of services to meet the developmental and special needs of young children and their families, including children…

This fact sheet summarizes information about the education-related services provided by federal/state-funded Vocational Rehabilitation Services and describes how to gain access to them. In a question/answer format, the guide discusses how to find the local vocational rehabilitation office, how to contact the office, procedures involved in…

The Family Support Act of 1988 requires each state to set up a Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Program (JOBS) to provide a work/education/training program for recipients of Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) by October 1, 1990. The law provides a broad outline for JOBS leaves the critical decisions to the states; hence, the major…

This color coded manual provides guidelines and required or recommended forms for the identification of artistically gifted and talented students in South Carolina at the elementary and secondary levels. A multi-step procedure is outlined which is divided into three stages: initial screening, specific screening, and final screening. The major…

The results of a survey of physicians actively involved at the state level in policy development for Part H of Public Law 99-457 are reported. A questionnaire was completed by a total of 125 physicians, including physicians identified as Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC) members and physicians who served as state chapter representatives to…

Presented in question answer format, the paper answers concerns about driver education and handicapped students in North Carolina. The following questions are addressed: What is the procedure for enrolling handicapped students in driver education? How are parents involved in making decisions about driver education for their handicapped child? What…

This guide provides information on using the Illinois Child Care Subsidy System in order to assist Illinois early childhood education and care programs in collaborating with other agencies and programs to plan and provide quality, consistent early care and education services for low-income families and their children. The guide also discusses…

This Texas plan to improve information and referral services in the area of developmental disabilities recommends an approach which focuses on providing improvements incrementally, spacing benefits over time, and periodically reassessing direction, alternatives, and costs/benefits. The plan stresses building a network which provides greater public…

A survey of 66 chapters of a national autism society found that the availability of extended school year (ESY) services is increasing. Significant variation was found in how states determine eligibility, in the duration of ESY programs, and in the length of ESY days; parental dissatisfaction was also reported. (JDD)

A survey of 10 states indicated the presence of hiring procedures that discourage or limit public-sector supported employment for persons having severe disabilities. Survey results, and recommendations for state system change to promote supported employment, are presented in 4 areas: civil service examination requirements, job classification…

The brochure is intended to help local school districts in Washington State design and implement programs for highly capable students. Included are a statement of Philosophy of Services, goals of such programs, a definition of "highly capable students," Information on identification of this population covers nomination, screening,…

This guide discusses the participation of students with disabilities in the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS), the state's student testing program that is being implemented in response to the Education Reform Law of 1993. The statewide assessment program is designed to strengthen public education in Massachusetts and ensure that…

Fifty states responded to a survey comparing definitions of high risk and determining which agencies serve high-risk infants and toddlers. Results showed that: only 24 states have definitions of risk, populations eligible for services vary immensely among states, and the majority of lead agencies were located in departments of education.…

This training manual is designed to provide information that will help Missouri educators understand and implement new state requirements regarding the inclusion of students with disabilities in the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP). It addresses the following topics: (1) reasons for including students with disabilities in a state assessment…

A survey of state agencies found that early intervention services to visually impaired children, aged birth-two and three-five years, were permissive or mandated in the 29 respondents' states or territories. All respondents used definitions of visual impairment similar to the federal definition, and all required a medical diagnosis. (JDD)