This article describes how to identify sources of children's learning opportunities, how families and practitioners can work together to choose natural learning environments as a source of learning opportunities, how to use children's interests for involving them in everyday learning opportunities, and how an intervention plan can increase…

One of the challenges facing primary school language teachers is the adaptation of the language syllabus to suit the needs of all of their learners, including those with special educational needs. Research into inclusion of such learners in the regular classroom has shown that adequate support for both child and teacher is essential if a child is…

This book explains federal guidelines for program directors and child care personnel for daily practices and procedures when children with disabilities are admitted to child care programs. The handbook addresses inclusion issues to raise the importance of involving all staff in preparation for efforts to become an inclusive program. Part I begins…

This training manual presents a family-centered approach to early childhood special education and demonstrates how a family-centered approach to intervention is an extension of a child-centered approach. The manual offers a "hands on" approach to building relationships between professionals and families that lead to effective intervention. The…

This document is comprised of the two 1998 issues of a magazine for parents, teachers, and others involved in cooperative nursery schools. The magazine is designed to provide a forum for views on dealing with young children, express a variety of ideas, promote the cooperative philosophy, and to enhance the relationships of those involved in…

This paper summarizes the research literature on the best ways for teachers to communicate with parents of children with disabilities. The relatively scanty empirical research suggests that what actually works with parents is not always what teachers expect. Findings suggest that research-tested methods of communication with parents of children…

The Family Involvement Triangle (FIT), developed by Project APIP (Alexandria Preschool Intervention Program), is a family-focused, family-directed, school-home partnership for integrated preschool intervention programs. The major goals of the FIT model are to promote parent participation in the schooling of their child, to support parents in…

Over 100 classroom learning resources for early childhood educators are described in this guide. Sections focus on classroom activities, art, nutrition, science, health, safety, multicultural education, special needs, teaching strategies, communication with parents, classroom volunteers, and program administration. All programs and resources…

Part of a volume which explores current issues in service delivery to infants and toddlers with handicapping conditions, this chapter discusses the nature of parent involvement in early childhood special education. Acceptance of the basic axiom of parent involvement needs to be accompanied by an understanding of individual differences in family…

This information brief presents views on quality education from two individuals with disabilities and a parent of a student with a disability. Amanda Dahloff, Kelly Socha, and Amy Pleet, all experienced in the transition process, offer diverse views on how educational systems can best serve students with disabilities. Key recommendations include:…

This paper discusses the importance of teachers and parents of students with learning disabilities working together to ensure that students' educational programs are appropriate and address their specific needs. It provides guidelines aimed at fostering positive teacher-parent relationships by discussing recent legislative mandates and current…

This special double issue of the "Early Childhood Bulletin" explores issues for parents who are members of Interagency Coordinating Councils (ICCs) for their states' early intervention programs. The first article discusses issues parents may want to consider before they assume new roles in their ICC and in related activities. It also…

This article provides guidelines to help school personnel establish and maintain productive relationships within the legal framework governing special education. Special attention is given to conflict resolution, especially in cases of disagreement on students' individualized education plans. The role of parents in these team efforts and relevant…

This guidebook's aim is to encourage the development of good working relationships between parents and service professionals for the benefit of children or young people with disabilities. It begins with a list of reasons for partnership and a discussion of the needs and strengths of families. It then examines the essence of partnership, which is…

Intended for parents of exceptional children in Alaska, this booklet briefly defines the handicapping conditions that make a child exceptional and then describes programs in Alaska available to parents and their exceptional children. The Child Find program, which identifies exceptional children and ensures that they receive appropriate educational…