Provided is a manual describing a model for early childhood services for visually impaired children (birth to school readiness) developed in Montgomery County, Maryland; presenting the philosophical framework from which the services were developed; and providing some field-tested strategies for intervention with the children and their families. Section I describes how the model was developed and funding obtained, with chapters 1 and 2 covering a statement of needs and objectives, design of the program, procedures, staffing patterns, and support requirements; and chapter 3 reviewing the pilot study and project validation. Reviewed in Section II is literature on the impact of blindness on family and child, theoretical approaches in early childhood education, and language development. Chapters are devoted to the methodology of the field testing study, and the results and discussion of findings. Section III presents resource material to assist with assessment and program planning for teachers and others who provide early teaching and counseling services for children and their parents. Sections cover motor, language, sensory/perceptual, social awareness, and cognitive/creativity development. Tables and charts are provided throughout the text. Appended materials include lists of instructional materials and equipment and suggested resources, language evaluation scales, instructions for use of the eye report, and assessment activities and achievement criteria. (IM)