The first of four documents assesses the state of the art in the area of speech and language intervention for preschool handicapped children. It is explained in an introductory chapter that the report is designed to furnish an overview of existing programs and procedures which exemplify the field and identify critical issues which currently exist in a behavioral analysis of language intervention efforts for handicapped children. Chapter 2 reviews the intervention procedures for language related behaviors which include audiometric training procedures and the training of generalized imitation skills. Chapter 3 considers investigations where operant based intervention procedures and techniques have been applied to specific areas of linguistic behaviors (semantic development, morphology, syntax, spontaneous speech, and inappropriate speech and language). The purpose of Chapter 4 is to review and assess some of the more prominent comprehensive language programs currently available including the Illinois Program for Systematic Language Instruction, the Peabody Language Development Kit, and the Non-Speech Language Intervention Program. Described are the theoretical underpinnings of each program, the supporting data if available, prerequisite skills for entering the program, content areas, cost of purchase, source, and other information unique to the program. Chapter 5 addresses several of the conceptual issues which have served as areas for debate and controversy (such as the relationship between productive speech and receptive language, and the sequencing of linguistic structures). (Author/SBH)