Topics in Early Childhood Special Education

Using data from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW), this study examined rates of developmental delays and Part C eligibility for 1,997 children younger than 3 years who were investigated for possible maltreatment by child welfare. Developmental delays that make children eligible for Part C early intervention occurred in 47% of this population. The rates of Part C eligibility for children with substantiated abuse or neglect were not different from those whose maltreatment was not substantiated. Similarly, no differences in eligibility were observed for children in out-of-home placement as compared to those living with parents. No statistically significant differences in rates were associated with differing types of maltreatment.

National estimates of characteristics of maltreated infants and report of an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) 54 months later are presented. The study was based on 1,196 infants from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being. Measures of neurodevelopment, language, and cognition were collected at baseline. In addition, measures of child behavior and social functioning were collected 54 months later. Caregiver mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, home environment, and aspects of maltreatment were examined. Nearly one third were reported to have an IFSP. Descriptors of maltreatment were associated with having an IFSP. Approximately 54 months later, 20% were reported to have an IEP. IEP was not related to maltreatment but was related to being male or having a caregiver with cognitive impairment. Having a caregiver with mental illness reduced the likelihood of having an IEP. Findings highlight the need to reconsider criterion for Part C referral.

New federal legislation requires states to develop policies to refer children younger than age 3 with substantiated cases of abuse or neglect to state Early Intervention (EI) systems. This article presents state-by-state estimates of potential referral and enrollment increases for EI. Many states could experience a significant increase in referrals (average 44%) and enrollment (average 22%). For effective implementation, states' EI systems will need to (a) increase EI system capacity, (b) identify additional funding, (c) find ways to successfully engage potentially resistant families, and (d) forge new interagency linkages. The state-by-state estimates provide both an indication of the potential impact in each state as well as goals that would reflect effective implementation of the referral mandate.

Each year nearly 900,000 cases of child abuse and neglect are substantiated in the United States, with the highest rates of maltreatment occurring among infants and toddlers. Children exposed to maltreatment are at increased risk of developmental delay. The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act specifies that children under age 3 with substantiated cases of abuse or neglect must have access to early intervention under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. This research examines state practices developed by Part C agencies in response to new regulations. Part C agency representatives provided input on referrals, screening, evaluation, services, and tracking methods through a semistructured survey. Results indicate a need for standardized referral processes, increased agency understanding of consent procedures for children in foster care, coordination of routine screenings between child welfare and Part C, cross-agency training, and the development of tracking databases. Specific recommendations are provided.

The purpose of this study was to analyze literature regarding interventions for promoting pretend play in children with disabilities. Sixteen studies were found using experimental designs to evaluate pretend play interventions with children with disabilities. The results were analyzed across the targeted pretense behaviors, participants, materials, settings, interventions, levels of prompting, and rigor of the studies. Interventions were moderately effective, although methodological limitations affected experimental rigor, the types of conclusions that could be drawn, and evidence for practice. Implications for future research emerged and are described.