This brief discusses research showing that high-quality early childhood programs can sharply improve readiness for school, especially for children who are at risk of school failure. The brief describes North Carolina's creation of the "More at Four" pre-kindergarten program and discusses research on important issues and potential…

This study identified critical factors in two states as they begin to develop family centered policies for the Infant and Toddlers Program as required by Part H of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. It focused on the Individual Family Service Plan, the identification of families' strengths and needs, and case management. Data were…

The Carolina Policy Studies Program (CPSP) was established in October 1987 to track the implementation of Public Law 99-457, Part H (the law is now known as IDEA--Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), which aids states in providing comprehensive services to infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. Since its establishment,…

This report was prepared as part of a 5-year study of the states' implementation of federal legislation regarding infants and toddlers (the Education of the Handicapped Act, Amendments 1986). In spring of 1988, a survey was made of key state personnel to assess current implementation status along a number of critical dimensions: definition and…

This paper presents a decision model illustrating the role of values in influencing choices between policy options in implementing Part H of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The paper discusses value assumptions, the role of conflicting values in decision making, the concept of an individual hierarchy of values, and implications…

This paper explores the barriers and possible solutions toward the implementation of the goal of a coordinated service system for young children with special needs and their families. The components of the vision of a comprehensive, interagency, multidisciplinary, coordinated service system are outlined, such as interdisciplinary cooperation, a…

The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (P.L. 94-142) is used to illustrate policy implementation analyses. Significant barriers to policy implementation for this law include power relationships between parents and schools, classroom teachers' feelings of uncertainty resulting from changed role expectations, and economic problems. (Author)

A random sample of 16 coordinators responsible for implementation of Part H of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act were interviewed to determine if state data systems will be in a position to assist in monitoring service goals and in reaching populations typically underserved. The interviews assessed the availability of…

Current legislation that improves services to target populations includes elements of mandated reform of certain professional practices. Such a mandate puts into practice changes that many have said were needed, but it also makes implementation of these policies more difficult. (Author/BJV)