Personnel development practices in early childhood intervention

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of the evidence that is informing and guiding personnel preparation (preservice) and continuing education (in-service) practices for those providing early intervention (children aged 0-3) or preschool special education (children aged 3-5) to eligible infants and young children and their families under the IDEA. The term professional development (PD) will be used in addition to preservice and in-service, primarily when used by authors whose work is cited. The term early childhood intervention (ECI) will be used to refer to the system of specialized services and interventions provided to a child as delineated on his Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individualized Education Plan (IEP). These services and interventions are delivered in a variety of places, including inclusive early childhood community settings such as child care and other toddler and preschool programs that meet the IDEA requirements of least restrictive settings or natural environment, delivered by qualified personnel under the IDEA as listed on a child’s IFSP/IEP as developed in collaboration with family members, and delivered by personnel who meet state requirements to provide services under IDEA.