This report explores social environmental supports and hazards to emotional, social, and linguistic development in infancy and early childhood. After a discussion of the prevalence and consequences of early language and emotional difficulties, selected studies that examined the effects of social experience on emotional and linguistic growth, including studies that articulated a risk and protective factors approach, are reviewed. Next, the report describes a sample of early intervention programs that bridge the distance between children, parents, educators, and health care and social service providers. The report emphasizes community-based approaches to preventive intervention that provide comprehensive yet intergrated services within a family-centered model. (Contains 251 references.) (Author/MM)