This book presents the theory and application of the Supportive Play Model (SPM), an intervention approach that incorporates best practices of the therapeutic, educational, and mental health fields. The model provides a systematic process for observing and understanding the play and development of young children with special needs and a…

This guide is a resource to help trainers and child care center directors implement a 13-module training program for caregivers serving children under 3 years of age. The first section of the guide describes what the trainer needs to know or do to implement the training program. The second section lists the steps in the training process for each…

Designed to assist child care center managers in planning nutritious meals for children in centers or licensed home day care programs, this guide presents information on the nutritional requirements of infants and children, sample menus for child care centers, and resources for further information. The first part of the guide details the…

Characteristics of a good institutional child care environment are briefly described. Discussion contrasts institutional and home environments. Topics addressed include safety, cleanliness, order, size and age appropriateness of equipment, and softness of surfaces. Also included are suggestions for using color schemes that create a sense of unity,…

Based on the view that the classroom teacher is the best judge of materials and equipment to meet the needs of particular learning situations, this publication focuses on the selection of equipment and materials for children in group settings. Part I consists of four substantive articles concerning (1) materials selection from the points of view…

Discusses the value of tool-use activities to help toddlers develop emerging skills, experience creative expression, and understand means-end relationships. Provides examples of opportunities for using objects as tools, including language acquisition, self-help activities, dramatic play, sensory experiences, and object manipulation. (DST)

The Early Learning Accomplishment Profile (Early LAP) provides a systematic method for observing children's functioning in the birth to 36-month age range in order to assist teachers, clinicians, and parents in assessing individual skills development in six developmental domains: gross motor, fine motor, cognition, language, self-help, and social…

Noting that during the first 2 years of life, children form attachments with caregivers that profoundly affect their emotional lives, this book presents a relationship-based reflective approach to help professionals who work with families of young children to nurture those crucial bonds, giving parents the support and guidance they need. The book…

This final report describes accomplishments and activities of a 3-year federally funded project of the University of Maine to develop and deliver a graduate Master's degree program in early intervention for infants and young children with low incidence disabilities. A curriculum was designed to prepare professionals to provide culturally relevant,…

This book provides 250 games and activities designed to help infants to 8-year-olds with all types of disabilities grow through play. Many activities come with special adaptations for children with physical, visual, hearing, emotional, and cognitive impairments. Each chapter focuses on a particular "world" or activity theme. Topics of individual…

This guide offers assessment and intervention guidelines for the Connecticut Birth to Three system concerning the emotional and psychological well-being of infants and toddlers in the system. Emphasis is on infants and toddlers who exhibit symptoms of traumatic stress disorder, depression or other affective disorders, regulatory disorders, sleep…

This guide was developed to assist families and service providers in Connecticut with the development of Individualized Family Service Plans for infants and young children with hearing impairments under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It provides general information about hearing loss and deafness, intervention…

Examines the transition in child care from the infant room into the toddler room from the perspectives of the parents, the child, and the caregiver. Suggests strategies for easing the transition by moving the caregivers with the children, moving one caregiver to the toddler room, making transition gradual, and retaining the positive aspects of the…

This article discusses the need for mobility devices for visually impaired and multihandicapped infants and preschoolers, describes a range of suitable mobility devices, and outlines considerations in evaluating and selecting mobility devices to encourage independent movement. A chart of approximately 20 types of mobility devices specifies their…

This article describes the role of family members in early intervention personnel preparation efforts, provides a rationale for family involvement, and offers guidelines and strategies for facilitating the participation of families of special-needs young children in personnel preparation, in ways that model collaborative family-professional…