The importance of evaluation in early childhood interventions of infants and toddlers with developmental disabilities is discussed. Eight questions guiding the evaluation process are presented, focusing on intervention expectations, purposes of intervention, personalization of intervention, and specification of anticipated outcomes, among others.…

Describes a University of Alberta project that focuses on family interventions to enhance the resilience of high-risk children with developmental disorders; the project's research phase, which compares and evaluates three interventions (family-centered assessment and intervention planning, natural teaching strategies, and cooperative family…

This article provides a case study of the use of emergent design, which asks evaluators to adapt their inquiry processes as understanding develops, in the evaluation of a family support program, tracing the emergence of evaluation procedures through three phases. Two phases produced data that policymakers found very helpful. (SLD)

This editorial looks at the special support needs of parents with learning difficulties in Britain in the context of the new Adoption and Children Bill, which encourages and speeds adoption. The bill is seen as a major threat to families headed by a parent with learning difficulties. It urges greater attention to providing the known and effective…

Discusses principles associated with strength-based approaches to support families of children with disabilities: a philosophy based on family strength; a partnership approach to service; a family-centered agenda; an individualized response to family needs; a comprehensive view of family development; and an assessment of outcomes based on family…

The article proposes that conceptualizing intervention with young disabled children using the framework offered by the ABCX Model of Family Adaptation increases the likelihood that intervention will be planned and conducted in ways reflective of the normalizing approach underlying Public Law 99-457 (Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments,…

Contrasts children's well-being and family support services in the United States with superior programs in Germany and other industrialized countries. The American Association of School Administrators considers the Children's Investment Trust, authored by Head Start founding administrator Jule Sugarman, an absolute must for improving children's…

Maintains that early childhood professionals in Australia and elsewhere need to: (1) consider their roles in a dynamic community with an uncertain future; (2) make known the purpose of early childhood services; and (3) meet the needs of young children and their families. (BB)

Describes the Living in Family Environments (LIFE) program in Michigan, which is designed to improve the socioeconomic status of families receiving welfare while offering children with developmental disabilities the chance to lead more normal lives in a home environment. (BB)

Family support programs are examined from a preventive perspective which is designed to help families before they are in crisis. Family resource programs are discussed in terms of their history, principles, distinguishing characteristics, relevance for families with children who have special needs, and implications for practitioners. (Author/JDD)

Illustrated is the importance of several sociological concepts in understanding families of young children with disabilities. These concepts include the social system, cultural and subcultural values, status and role, definition of the situation and role-taking ability, presentation of self, and social process. (Author/JDD)

Describes the founding and operation of a family center in Macon County, North Carolina, that combines Head Start, day care, disabilities mainstreaming, prenatal care, and a parent-child center all in one complex. The New Horizons Center will serve as a training site under the Smart Start statewide preschool initiative. (MDM)

A survey of 128 British families of children with autism found progress over the last decade in the shorter time for referral to specialists, younger age at diagnosis, and younger age at receipt of special education services. Difficulties remain in obtaining initial professional advice and support, correct diagnosis, and appropriate help in the…

Discusses efforts of the Clinton administration to put children and families at the heart of domestic policy agenda, including program funding and immunization programs. (HTH)

Among the 1990 Kentucky Education Reform Act's innovations are Family Resource/Youth Service Centers (FRYSCs), which focus on the network supporting students and their families, rather than "fixing the kid." Parents are empowered to participate in their children's education, assisted by the larger community and outreach activities.…