The heterogeneity of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) makes it difficult for school-based professionals to develop effective Individual Education Plans (IEP) for this group. Limited research exists on the quality of IEP programs for individuals with ASD. This article summarizes the results of a retrospective chart review from an outpatient…

This brief paper summarizes principles of the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) as required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Part C. It lists five ways in which the IFSP differs from the Individualized Education Plan including the centrality of the family. Steps that lead to effective IFSPs are identified. These include:…

This paper lists practices recommended by the Council for Exceptional Children's Division for Early Childhood concerning the process of transition in early intervention and early childhood special education programs for infants and young children with special needs and their families. An introductory section defines transition, offers examples of…

A review of 40 federally funded personnel preparation projects for infant specialists focused on: demographic information; project scope; project rationale; training content, including competencies, practicum, and coursework; staff; budget; and project evaluation. Areas needing further examination by the early intervention field include training…

This commentary reacts to an article that presented an agenda for educational change to encourage early childhood inclusion. It calls for a leadership agenda for the nation, agreement about inclusion as a feasible program model, development and dissemination of effective practices and evidence-based guidelines, family involvement, and increased…

Research pointing to the need for routine support and followup for families with infants leaving Neonatal Intensive Care Units is described. A discharge planning process is then recommended, involving assessing the infant's needs, family functioning, family needs, and cultural considerations and linking families with community services. (JDD)

The Birth to Three Inservice Training Project was a federally funded demonstration project which trained Connecticut early interventionists from a variety of backgrounds. The model stressed a conducive learning climate, mutual planning, diagnosis of individual learning needs, continuous evaluation, and follow-up training. The service delivery…

The Multidisciplinary Faculty Training Institute sought to increase the capacity of institutions of higher education to refine or develop coursework, practica, and course sequences in early intervention. The project trained small groups of faculty from colleges and universities in the New York Metropolitan area and provided follow-up technical…

This final report describes objectives, activities, and outcomes of a project to provide training to infant specialists employed within a total of 16 infant intervention programs in New York State. The project focused on the acquisition of skills necessary to provide services under Public Law 99-457. Training content and procedures were derived…