Crossing the Boundaries of Early Childhood Special Education Personnel Preparation

Abstract

There is critical need for appropriately trained teachers of young children with handicaps as full implementation of PL 99-457 by 1990-91 is anticipated. Two potential "pools" from which such teachers may be drawn are represented by early childhood education and special education; however, it is assumed that both groups will require additional preparation for the unique roles required. As part of state planning efforts for implementation of Title II (the Part B Amendments of 1986), a grant to conduct a collaborative study of needs for early childhood special education personnel, roles, competencies, and potential training models was awarded to the Cuyahoga Special Eduction Service Center by the Ohio Department of Education. Results of survey research, together with data obtained through a summer training institute for early childhood educators and special educators, have implications concerning both common and differential retraining needs through a competency-based approach in early childhood special education personnel preparation.