Discussed in the handbook is a noncategorical, interdisciplinary approach to the provision of special education programs and services for handicapped children, 3-to 5-years-old. Among the topics covered are the importance of early intervention; communication and language development; educational intervention (including teaching methods for visually impaired, hearing impaired, and mentally retarded children as well as the therapeutic and instructional functions of play); screening and evaluation (including normal growth patterns in such areas as conceptual, motor, perceptual and social development); and parents' role. Specific information concerning exceptional child services, state legislation, and teaching policies and procedures is provided for Illinois. Also listed are instructional materials sources; periodicals pertaining to special children; early childhood books and pamphlets available from the Instructional Materials Center of the Illinois Department for Exceptional Children; and inservice films, kits, filmstrips, and recordings. (LH)