•
Chapter 2
Context of Early Childhood Special Education
Definitions
Exceptional children; children that are different from the norm and need a customized educational
program ( low or high developmental level).
Disability; inability of an individual to perform like other children his/her age and in need of support. It is
a group of conditions due to an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas.
Handicap; a problem that impacts child from functioning due to the disability. ( ex; due to physical
disability child cannot participate in a race)
Early Intervention; delivery of comprehensive specialized services to infants and toddlers with
developmental delays or at risk ( ages 0 to 2).
Services provided- OT, PT, SPL, CDS, DHH, low incidence, behavior.
Location of services- natural environment
Specialized Instruction
Early Childhood Special Education; system of supports and services for children ages 3 to 8 with
disabilities.
Developmental Delay; a delay in the appearance of normal developmental milestones achieved during
infancy and early childhood, that can be caused by organic, psychological, or environmental factors.
At-Risk; children that may develop delays due to their exposure to genetic, biological or environmental
factors.
a) Established risk= diagnosed medical disorder ( down syndrome, cerebral palsy)
b) Biological risk= complications at birth
c) Environmental risk= life experiences and/or environmental conditions affects their
development. (substance abuse, neglect)
At Risk factors; maternal substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, prenatal medical conditions ( gestational
diabetes, hypertension), developmentally disabled parent, birth complications, child abuse and neglect,
head trauma, accidents, prematurity, low birth weight.
Special Education Laws/ Public laws
•
PL 94-142- IDEA “ ensures that all handicapped children receive free, appropriate public
education ( FAPE) with emphasis in special education and related services to meet child’s needs
protecting children and parents rights”. It has 6 components;
1) FAPE ( no cost for parents)
2) LRE ( least restrictive environment)
3) IEP
4) Due process
5) Nondiscriminatory assessments
6) Parental participation

PL 99-457- In 1986, an amendment to the law was added to provide services to preschoolers
and infants and toddlers. As of September 1994 all states are fully implementing this law.
IDEA has four distinct sections;
Part A- defines the terms used within the Act as well as providing for the creation of the Office
of Special Education Programs, which is responsible for administering and carrying out the terms of
IDEA.
Part B- provides educational guidelines for school children 3-21 years of age.
Part C- provides guidelines concerning the funding and services to be provided to children from
birth through 2 years of age.
Part D- describes activities to improve the education of children with disabilities including
resources and grants.
•
PL 101-476- official change of name of Education of the Handicapped Act to Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act. Requirement to have a transition plan for adolescents and adding 2
more disability categories ( Autism and Traumatic Brain Injury).
•
PL 102-119- In 1991, Part C require services in natural environment. Process for transition from
one program to the next.
•
PL 105-17. In 1997, IDEA is reauthorized and provides with 4 parts;
1) General provisions
2) Services for education of children with disabilities
3) Infants and Toddlers with disabilities
4) Activities to improve education of children with disabilities
•
PL 108-446. also known as IDEA 2004. Alignment with No Child Left behind Act. Includes
guidelines on IEP process, documentation, identifying students with learning disabilities,
qualifications for special education teachers, discipline guidelines for children with disabilities,
due process, eligibility, assessments, early intervention services
Due process guidelines: resolution session within 15 days of complaint-> if not resolved within
30 days due process hearing is next step
•
Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act of 1973/ Civil Rights law protecting individuals against
discrimination due to a disability.
An individual is eligible for services if;
1.- has physical or mental impairment that substantially limits life activities
2.- has a record of such impairment
3.- is regarded as having such an impairment
•
Section 504= schools to make reasonable accommodations for student to participate in
educational activities ( modifications, aide assistance, behavior plan, study area, medical
necessity).
•
What constitutes early intervention?
•
How early is early?
•
Is it cost effective?
•
Ecology of Human Development
a) Microsystems; intrafamilial relationships (home, neighbors, childcare, extended fam.)
b) Mesosystems; intersystem relationships (home-school, parent-professional, agency-home,
professional-professional)
c) Exosystems; external support systems (work, schools, health services, church, media)
d) Macrosystems; societal values and beliefs (legislation, social attitudes, values, ethics, cultural
beliefs, regulations)
e) chronosystem; historical time