An Introduction to Early Childhood Special Education

Book excerpt: This volume focuses on how to collaborate effectively with the variety of professionals who work with young children who have developmental delays. The author provides coverage of the history of early childhood education, special education, and litigation related to special education services and the importance of use of non-biased, highly effective assessments, combined with an overview of the major theories, their application, and an extended discussion of health-related contributors to disabilities (e.g., HIV, alcohol, cocaine) related to early childhood development. Readers are introduced to the terminology needed to effectively interact with parents and providers and how special education professionals can work with day care providers and preschool teachers so they become familiar with attributes associated with a variety of disabilities and other early childhood special education services.