The authors address some of the issues and concerns surrounding the provision of early educational intervention with handicapped Black infants from low socioeconomic families. Problems in providing early intervention services for this population are seen to lie in three major areas--identification and diagnosis of potentially handicapping…

This paper integrates a recent conceptual shift in middle childhood language acquisition research--the study of metalinguistic development--with a Piagetian perspective on cognitive development to propose a theoretical framework from which to consider language development during this period. The paper first defines metalinguistics and then uses a…

Points out that four theories underlie preschool reading programs, then provides a summary of practices in American preschools and day care programs, synthesizes research on preschool reading instruction, and offers seven suggestions to preschool educators. (FL)

The article presents a historical overview of social interaction research focusing on handicapped children which was conducted at George Peabody College (Vanderbilt University). Topics discussed include defining reciprocal interaction, refining the definition of social interaction, research on generalization, and social integration with…

Studies that have questioned how children best demonstrate their ability to discriminate pitch are discussed, and practical applications of the findings are examined. One specific performance-based response that is not necessarily a good indicator of ability to discriminate pitch is singing. (RM)

Argues that there is more to background experience than general knowledge--that concepts of print, language, story structue, and of reading's usefulness are equally important in developing early reading skills. (FL)

This paper examines the cognitive process of concept development in preschool children, based on recent psychological research. Rather than attempting an exhaustive review of the more than 7000 articles written on children's concepts of categories, the paper highlights and illustrates four key themes that emerge from recent research: first,…

This report summarizes data from 1990 and 1993 surveys on preschool mainstreaming that investigated the prevalence of inclusive programming in early childhood education, whether policy challenges to the inclusion of young children have changed over time, and currently existing challenges. Results indicate: (1) there is a dearth of policy research…

This paper reviews studies which describe the nature and extent of children's association of white with good and black with bad. As children become older, their perceptions of the colors white and black become differentiated from their perceptions of White and Black people. (Author/RD)

Presents findings on children's notions about reading, suggests using the language experience approach in teaching reading, and lists classroom activities to promote unity in the language arts. (AEA)

The article considers methods and standards for screening infants and young children for visual handicaps. Eye screening at three basic age levels is examined: newborn, six months, and three to five years. (DLS)

Describes 2 points of view about the relationship between oral-language and literacy skills: The phonological sensitivity approach posits that vocabulary provides the basis for phonological sensitivity, which then is the key language ability supporting reading, and the comprehensive language approach posits that varied language skills interact…

Reviews the international research evidence on the ways in which information and communication technologies (ICT) are used in both formal and informal pre-school settings. Addresses the debate over the value and desirability of young children using computers and computational toys; relationship to the media environment; literacies involved; and…

This introductory article discusses following articles that consider how phonology interacts with other aspects of language and language learning and the role of this interaction in language acquisition. It addresses the interaction between phonology and the lexicon, phonological representations and morphophonemic alternations, and the interaction…

Examines diversity in home visiting by considering policy and program design decisions related to the content of the visit, relations between the parent and the home visitor, and individualization of the visit. (BG)