This paper introduces a document that presents a set of indicators that the Council for Exceptional Children's Division for Early Childhood recommends for early intervention and early childhood special education (EI/ECSE) programs for infants and young children with special needs and their families. The indicators selected are research-based or value-based, family-centered, compatible with a multicultural perspective, involving members of various disciplines, developmentally and chronologically age appropriate, and normalized. The paper outlines the evolution of early intervention practices, suggests uses for the set of indicators, and details the process used in identifying the recommended practices. This process included establishment of the Recommended Practices Task Force, which appointed chairpersons for each particular strand. Chairpersons conducted working sessions at which recommended practices were identified by experts, practitioners, and family members. The practices were formatted into a questionnaire sent to practitioners, family members, and individuals from higher education and administrative positions. Practices which were rated as a "Best Practice" by at least 50% of the questionnaire respondents were selected for inclusion in the indicators document. (Contains 11 references.) (JDD)