Stressing pragmatics (the way a person uses language in psychosocial situations) in child language can help the teacher both in identifying what the child is ready to learn and providing appropriate instructional intervention. (DB)

The article examines clinical issues that must be considered in planning preschool language intervention aimed at integrating pragmatic theory into the treatment plan. The clinician's role in the process is examined, and solutions to problems in meeting individual needs within a group and being accountable are offered. (CL)

Current research programs for handicapped preschoolers and their families is reviewed under five administrative roles--program manager, policy planner, monitor-evaluator, advocate, and trainer-facilitator. Implications for administrators include activities/skill building in affective development, family services, technology, policy analysis,…

Discusses objections opponents of public sponsorship of preschool education might have and points out consequences of failure to apply research findings concerning brain growth periodization. (RH)

Socially withdrawn preschoolers can be encouraged to interact with peers by appointing them as classroom managers. Such an approach can be used within the existing classroom structure and requires no major changes in teacher or student practices. (CL)

Four examples of general language performance measures for preschoolers are described to suggest a rationale for test selection. Advantages and limitations are noted for the Houston Test for Language Development, Preschool Language Scale, the Hannah-Gardner Preschool Language Screening Test, and the Test of Early Language Development. (CL)

The article provides six suggestions for preschool teachers with visually handicapped children in their classes. Suggestions are also given for classmates' guiding a blind child. (PHR)

Ten suggestions for successful mainstreaming on a preschool level are presented. Among the suggestions included are to provide an interaction structure in some play situations, discipline handicapped the same as other children, establish realistic goals, and be honest. (PHR)

Fifty-one parents of preschool handicapped or nonhandicapped children were surveyed to determine their perspectives on integration. Both parents of handicapped children and parents of nonhandicapped children held positive perspectives on the philosophical aspects of integration, the social-emotional impact of integration on their children, teacher…

Suggests that the socialization of children works against their creativity. Argues that increasing children's exploratory opportunities results in raising the likelihood of new discoveries. Concludes that the establishment of a structure for fostering creativity is a key factor in promoting child development. (SG)

This article presents ideas for using play activities to support the development of emergent literacy skills in young children, including those with disabilities. Four principles of promoting early literacy skills are explained and applied to activities in block and microsymbolic play, macrosymbolic play, and fluid construction play. The…

This secondary analysis of the Early Head Start Research and Evaluation Project, a randomized study of program participation of children and families in Early Head Start (that is, enrolled in programming prior to children's first birthdays) investigated sociodemographic (race and ethnicity, income level, and maternal education level) and program…

The document is intended to establish criteria for preschool services so that a handicapped child qualifying for services in one area of the state (Iowa) will qualify for those same services in another geographic area. An initial section examines the state's philosophical commitment to handicapped children. A subsequent section addresses the…

To identify gifted preschool children, parents and teachers need to be aware of some of the characteristics that these children possess. Gifted preschool children may have verbal and mathematical abilities that are advanced beyond their years, show creativity and imagination, and have an excellent memory. They exhibit a high level of curiosity,…