Introduction: Professionals working with infants and toddlers with visual impairments (that is, those who are blind or have low vision) were surveyed regarding their preservice training and their awareness and use of 29 resources related to young children who are visually impaired. Methods: Early intervention visual impairment professionals (n =…

Researchers tested the Concerns Based Adoption Model and the Stages of Concern Questionnaire (SoCQ), which address professionals' feelings about innovation. Professionals who received innovative training on early intervention completed the survey. Results support the Concerns Based Adoption Model's broad underlying assumptions. A revised model and…

This qualitative study examined how state and local administrators, direct care providers, and parents perceive service integration under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Early Head Start program. Respondents (N=56) perceived effective service integration to include administrative structures and interpersonal…

Forty children under three years of age referred for early childhood special education evaluation were randomly assigned to either a multidisciplinary, standardized assessment or a transdisciplinary, play-based assessment. Play-based assessments took less time to complete, resulted in favorable parent and staff perceptions, provided useful…

A survey of 234 early interventionists and 242 parents found strong support for a listing of program quality indicators for early intervention services in Australia and a high level of indicator acceptance accompanied by a lower level of indicator implementation. Lack of time and staff were identified as implementation barriers. (Author/CR)

This Colorado study of practices in infant and toddler programs (ages 0-4) involved a review of 53 individual family service plans (IFSPs) and perceptions of 44 parents and 51 professionals concerning family-centered practices. IFSPs were found to be primarily child-centered, and urban and rural differences were determined. (Author/SW)

This practicum report describes development of a system of family support services for 56 parents of preschool handicapped children (ages birth to 3) in an early intervention setting. A preliminary survey was administered to determine family needs. A family support group was then developed which met monthly for fellowship, networking, work…

This study explored current University of Nebraska graduate course offerings which address content relative to infants, families, and/or the professional teamwork associated with services to handicapped or at-risk infants, toddlers, and their families. Faculty from 12 departments were surveyed as to their interest in interdisciplinary,…

Early intervention professionals (N=95) rated their own knowledge and skills in 16 areas of competency. The paper analyzes the distinction between knowledge and skills, identification of item clusters, and changes in ratings over time. Findings provide partial support for the usefulness of self-ratings in the context of inservice education. (JDD)

A survey of 879 early intervention program providers and parents investigated desired outcomes of service coordination, early intervention, and natural environments practices. Results found only two outcome categories (family satisfaction and improved family quality of life) were considered to be valued outcomes of all three services. (Contains…

A survey of 62 early childhood educators in North Carolina and Tennessee found that respondents had frequent and significant concerns about their knowledge and utilization of assistive technology. Training areas were identified that address the concerns and barriers regarding assistive technology. Implications for preservice and inservice training…