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 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 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,…

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…