This report presents the methodology and findings of a survey of state coordinators implementing Part H of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The survey, conducted to examine the nature and scope of interagency coordination efforts, was completed and returned by 38 coordinators. Nine areas of coordination are addressed: major…

This newsletter focuses on the theme of early intervention which infants and young children with special needs in nine brief articles: "Early Intervention: A Matter of Context" (Samuel J. Meisels); "Early Intervention Research: Asking and Answering Meaningful Questions" (Jack P. Shonkoff); "From Case Management to Service…

This final progress report examines implementation of Part H of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) by the various states. Part H coordinators in the 50 states and the District of Columbia and chairpersons of the State Interagency Coordinating Councils were asked to complete the five point Likert "State Progress Scale"…

This paper discusses resources needed by infants and toddlers who are disabled and by their families, with respect to policy implementation of Part H of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The paper emerged from a series of focus group discussions with health professionals in five states. Out of the open-ended discussions emerged…

This report focuses on progress in the implementation of Part H of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) through a comparison of states' status on three yearly administrations of the State Progress Scale. The scale was designed to monitor implementation of the required 14 components in the stages of policy development, policy…

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 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…

This study attempted to: describe successful working relationships between higher education and state agencies for Part H (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) personnel planning; identify factors that facilitated those relationships; and formulate policy recommendations. Indepth interviews with key persons involved in Part H personnel…

This annual report describes Illinois activities in the implementation of a statewide, comprehensive, coordinated system of early intervention services for eligible infants and toddlers and their families, as called for under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The report provides: (1) discussion of progress in each of the 14…

In order to suggest policies aimed at preventing underutilization of early intervention services by typically underserved populations, this study reviewed the literature on utilization of health and social services, devised a generic model of service utilization, and examined the national distribution of several of the model's factors. The model…

This study attempted to describe and explain the different approaches taken by policymakers in a diverse group of states, as they seek to implement Part H of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which provides federal mandates and aid to assist states in planning and developing comprehensive multidisciplinary, interagency, coordinated…

Case studies of three states were conducted to examine different approaches to the development of policies concerning early intervention, family support, and interagency provisions under Part H of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The study utilized a qualitative methodology aimed at discovering grounded theory (theory generated…

This handbook is intended to assist policy boards and Interagency Coordinating Councils in developing and writing clear guidelines for implementing Part H of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act which mandates early intervention services to infants and toddlers with disabilities. Principles are rooted in a "family systems"…

This issue paper is based on recommendations of a February, 1991 meeting on promoting child health through Part H of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Part H emphasizes family-centered care; service coordination; comprehensive services; collaboration among service providers and funding sources; outreach to traditionally…

This paper reports on a symposium of experts in child and family development and health care which met to discuss integrated systems of services. The symposium was part of the Carolina Policy Studies Program which is addressing policy implementation of Part H of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The paper notes IDEA's…