Results of a study of social interactions of 33 developmentally delayed preschoolers suggested the existence of major deficits in peer-related social interactions for delayed children and the absence of specific individual social behaviors highly associated with peer-related social competence. (CL)

Integration practices of handicapped children at preschool level and the service model for therapeutic and social assistance in Arezzo, Italy are examined. Case studies of three severely handicapped integrated preschoolers illustrate the model's functionings. Theory and research supporting the model are noted, as is continuing research through…

A structured small group instructional setting helps to teach mainstreamed handicapped preschoolers the skills necessary to interact with the classroom materials without direct supervision. Examples are cited of individualized play activities with puzzles, paint, and play dough. (CL)

Parents can pursue expansion of ideas with their preschoolers in areas of math, science, social, and reading awareness. General recommendatons and suggestions for activities with the preschooler are offered. (CL)

Questionnaires completed by 50 states and the District of Columbia revealed that many teachers currently working with handicapped preschoolers are specialists in other teaching areas, many states are not developing a specific certificate for this population, and that there is a discrepancy in definitions and criteria from state to state. (CL)

Recent studies on the integration of handicapped with nonhandicapped preschoolers and its effect on social interactions are reviewed. Studies include those reporting the spontaneous occurrence of social interactions between young handicapped and nonhandicapped children and those reporting the need for structure and training to facilitate…

In an investigation of effects of adult-directed play on handicapped preschoolers' functional use of toys and interactions with other classmates. Results revealed that adult-directed play increased the handicapped preschoolers' functional use of toys; interactions were increased for two of the three subjects. (Author/CL)

Teachers' ratings of the social-emotional adjustment of four groups of preschoolers were collected: deaf children with additional handicaps; deaf children without additional handicaps; hearing children with other handicaps; and hearing children without other handicaps. Additionally handicapped deaf and hearing Ss with other handicaps were…

Developmental stages in causal reasoning and causative expression are outlined to provide comparison with preschool handicapped children. Three stages within the preschool range are defined in terms of changes in causal schemes, field of centration, and experimental attitude and skills. Suggestions for assessment and special education are made.…

Withdrawn, depressive preschoolers need special attention and help from teachers, who should understand the child's urgent need to be in control and feelings of anger. (CL)

Head Start and Early Head Start are comprehensive child development programs providing services to children from birth to age 5, pregnant women, and their families. The Head Start Program Performance Standards, mandatory regulations that grantees and delegate agencies must implement in order to operate a Head Start program, are designed to ensure…

Author supports legislative proposals to achieve quality education for young children that goes beyond a mere watering-down of a primary academic curriculum for preschoolers. (Editor)

Suggestions for well-written newspaper articles that inform the community and publicize the nursery school or day care center. (DR)

This article outlines the history, philosophy, criticisms, and accomplishments of Project Head Start. (MM)