This guide provides precise, detailed descriptions of empirically validated best practices to promote learning in infants and young children with disabilities. It is designed to be a practical and comprehensive, easy-to-read introductory methods text that addresses the fundamental issues associated with implementing the legislative mandates of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The text is organized according to key concepts, functions, and arrangements in the early intervention process. The chapters focus on: (1) an introduction to the history of early intervention perspectives and policies; (2) teaming skills and strategies, and basic premises and procedures for service coordination; (3) infant assessment processes and development of the Individual Family Service Plan; (4) preschool assessment and development of the Individualized Education Program; (5) guidelines for implementation of a naturalistic curriculum model; (6) generic instructional procedures; (7) specialized methods in the basic skill domains of communication, social development, physical development, and self-care; (8) naturalistic teaching approaches and procedures, including data collection strategies; (9) planning and implementation of group instruction; (10) environmental arrangements to promote interaction and independence; (11) service delivery models and program management; and (12) important transitions in early childhood and procedures to facilitate smooth transitions. (Contains over 500 references.) (JDD)