1. Chapter 14 Early Childhood Special Education

2. The Importance of Early Intervention
IDEA and Early Childhood Special Education
Mandates early intervention services for any child under 3 years of age who has developmental delays
Mandates preschool for children with disabilities ages 3–5
States that receive IDEA funds for early intervention must serve all infants and toddlers with developmental delays or established risk conditions
States may also serve infants and toddlers who are identified as at-risk

3. Individualized Family Services Plan
An IFSP is a plan that addresses the needs of the child and family and is developed by a multidisciplinary team
An IFSP defines the family as being the recipient of early intervention services
The IFSP must be evaluated once a year and reviewed at six-month intervals
Special education for preschoolers
Preschool children do not have to be identified under existing categories to receive services
Local education agencies may elect to use a variety of service options

4. Screening, Identification, and Assessment
Assessment in early childhood special education is conducted for at least four different purposes:
Screening
Diagnosis
Program planning
Evaluation
Tests measure performance in 5 major areas:
Motor development
Cognitive development
Communication and language development
Social and emotional development
Adaptive development

5. Curriculum and Instruction in Early Childhood Special Education
Curriculum and program goals
Support families in achieving their own goals
Promote child engagement, independence, and mastery
Promote development in all important domains
Build and support social competence
Facilitate the generalized use of skills
Prepare and assist children for normalized life experiences with their families
Help children and their families make smooth transitions

6. Curriculum and Instruction in Early Childhood Special Education
Selecting IFSP/IEP Goals and Objectives
Goals and objectives should be evaluated according to the following five quality indicators:
Functionality
Generality
Instructional context
Measurability
Relationship between long-range goals and short-term objectives

7. Instructional Adaptations and Modifications
Modifications and adaptations to the physical environment, materials, and activities are often sufficient to support successful participation and learning by a child with disabilities
Embedded learning opportunities
Preschool activity schedules should include a balance of child-initiated and planned activities, large- and small-group activities, active and quiet times, and indoor and outdoor activities

8. Service Delivery Alternatives for Early Intervention
IDEA requires that early intervention services be provided in natural environments to the greatest extent possible
Service delivery options for early childhood special education include:
Hospital-based programs
Home-based programs
Center-based programs
Combined home-center programs

9. Families
Parents are the most important people in an early intervention program
Act as advocates
Participate in educational planning
Observe their child’s behavior
Help set realistic goals
Work in the classroom
Teach their children at home