The Coping Inventory, an observation instrument designed to assess the behavior and skills of handicapped children, is described. The 48-item inventory is divided into two categories--self and environment; each category is subdivided into three dimensions--productive, active, and flexible. (PHR)

The article defines and describes coping and stress, their relationship to learning, and how they are assessed for educational planning for preschool handicapped children. The Coping Inventory, an observation assessment instrument, is used to show how the teaching and learning of coping behavior can be part of each child's educational plan.…

The article describes a support program for families of handicapped children (ages birth to 3) involved in an early intervention program. A cognitive-behavioral "Coping with Stress Model," used as the basis for intervention planning and programming, helps families assess their coping effectiveness and identify unmet needs. (JW)

The article describes the Coping Inventory, an observation instrument used to assess 48 coping behaviors and to develop a profile which generates goals and objectives in a preschool learning handicapped child's individualized education plan aimed at increasing coping competence. (Author/SB)