Early Intervention Needs of Children At Risk Due to Prenatal Drug Exposure: A Survey of Early Childhood Educators

Abstract

Educating children who are at risk for school failure due to prenatal drug exposure poses significant challenges to educators. The purpose of this study was to examine preschool educators' perceptions of learning and behavioral problems of children who were prenatally exposed to drugs, as well as to examine intervention strategies and other related issues in educating these children. A survey was completed by 85 preschool educators living in a mid-sized metropolitan area in the Pacific Northwest. The respondents had generally positive attitudes about working with children with prenatal drug exposure. Many respondents reported that they were using effective intervention strategies, and that parents of these children were generally helpful and concerned about their children's education.