A Synthesis of "Best Practice" Guidelines for Early Childhood Services

Abstract

"Best practice" guidelines drawn from recent advances within the field of disability are reviewed and synthesized for the purpose of defining exemplary early childhood special education services. With both empirical and ideological support, the paper identifies six major characteristics of exemplary programs. Such programs provide services that are (a) integrated, (b) comprehensive, (c) normalized, (d) adaptable. (e) peer and family-referenced, and (f) outcome-based. Programmatic guidelines are addressed for each characteristic.