This handbook provides an overview of the development of young children with visual impairments and their educational needs. The first three chapters outline the developmental path followed by sighted children and contrast this with the lives of children who are visually impaired, introduce the professionals who commonly work with children who are visually impaired, and discuss the medical conditions that cause blindness and visual impairments. Chapter 4 examines the social and interpersonal complexities that arise in a family's life when their child is diagnosed with a visual impairment. Chapter 5 offers suggestions on how problem behavior in the classroom can be addressed and outlines steps to provide norms of social behavior. The next three chapters deal with more technical aspects of childhood development including speech and language acquisition, sensorimotor integration, and motor development. Chapter 9 discusses orientation and mobility skill development, and Chapter 10 focuses on self-help skills with suggestions for enhancing independence. The final chapter defines the educational rights of children with impairments as defined by federal legislation. Examples of an individualized education program and individualized family service plan are included. An appendix includes descriptions of materials and devices for young children with limited vision. Each chapter contains references. (CR)