The document examines three case studies of intellectually gifted young children and explores competencies for accurately identifying and nurturing the young gifted child in the regular classroom. An introductory section reviews child development principles, notes characteristics of physical development in gifted children, and considers behaviors of the young gifted child in other domains. Identification research focuses on procedures and measures of such functioning areas as creativity and adaptive behavior. Research on nurturance touches upon characteristics of the differentiated curriculum and aspects of the social-emotional environment. Three in-depth case studies--of a kindergartner, second grader, and fourth grader--are presented separately, each with background and assessment data (physical, environmental, educational, and basic skills), a summary and evaluation of the delivery services for the intellectually gifted at each subject's school, and recommendations for further nurturance at home and at school. A four-page bibliography is included. (CL)