Intended as a guide for educators and researchers, the volume provides ideas and program descriptions in the field of education for young exceptional children. An introductory chapter (J. De Weerd) presents an overview of education for handicapped children and describes the establishment under the Bureau of Education for the Handicapped (BEH) of the Handicapped Children's Early Education Program, sometimes known as the First Chance Program. Presented are a review of relevant legislation, descriptions of existing programs, and guidelines to aid in the development of new programs in the field of early childhood education for the handicapped in chapters with the following titles and authors: "The Enabling Legislation: How Did It All Begin?" (J. Harvey), "Alternative Models for Delivering Services to Young Handicapped Children" (M. Karnes and R. Zehrbach), "Identification, Screening, and Assessment" (A. Hayden and E. Edgar), "Record Keeping" (H. Fredricks, et al), "Curriculum and Instruction" (M. Wood and O. Hurley), "Special Program Needs of the Culturally Diverse Child" (J. Harvey), "Physical Facilities and Environments" (M. Jones), "Parent Involvement" (M. Shearer and D. Shearer), "Multiple Staffing Patterns" (A. Hayden and E. Gotts), and "Evaluation of Programs" (C. Huberty and W. Swan). Appended are a directory of BEH First Chance Projects listed by states, and a listing, by title, of standardized tests used by BEH First Chance Projects. (IM)