Childhood Special Education Services Research Articles

Facilitating coordination between medical and educational systems to improve access to pediatric therapies for preschool children with developmental delays and disabilities.

A large portion of preschool-age children with developmental delays and disabilities (PCw/DD) do not receive recommended therapeutic services, including legally mandated school-based therapies. This study examines the feasibility of a community-clinical linkage using virtual patient navigation and a medical-educational care plan called Preschool and Me (PreM) to connect clinical settings serving historically marginalized communities with early childhood special education (ECSE) services. Parents of PCw/DD attending an urban pediatric clinic from January to March 2022 were enrolled to receive PreM which included navigation support for ECSE, overcoming barriers accessing ECSE, and health care provider communication. Families completed measures of demographics and indicators of feasibility at baseline and 4-month follow-up. Of the 34 families referred, 30 were eligible and enrolled. Most parents identified as mothers (97%). Most participant children (70% male, 60% Black, 30% Hispanic) were enrolled in public health insurance (93%) and were not receiving any clinic-based therapies (93%). Parents overwhelmingly found PreM acceptable with the majority stating it would be a strong reason to continue care at the clinic. Among families who received PreM, 26 (96%) completed an individualized education plan (IEP) evaluation (96%). Of these, 24 (92%) children were eligible for an IEP. Nineteen children enrolled in an ECSE program; two families awaited school assignments and three families did not consent to the assigned school placement due to neighborhood safety concerns. Our findings suggest PreM was feasible, acceptable, and demonstrated promise in supporting families to navigate the ECSE process. Future studies examining effectiveness are warranted. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

LANGUAGE ASSESSMENT OF PRESCHOOL AND SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN AT RISK FOR LANGUAGE DISORDERS IN RESIDENTIAL CARE SETTINGS

Adequate language development is central to a child's academic and social development. This study aimed to assess the language of 35 preschool and school-aged Portuguese children in residential care in four social institutions, using the Grelha de Observação da Linguagem (GOL-E) developed by Kay and Santos (2014), a validated tool in Portuguese. The results of the study showed that in terms of language competence, compared to the normative results expected for their age: a) Of the thirty-five children assessed, only three were at or above the 50th percentile; b) Twelve children were between the 5th and 25th percentiles; c) Eight children were in the 10th percentile; d) Of the children between the 11th and 12th percentiles, only one was in the 90th and 75th percentiles; e) Eleven children were in the 10th and 25th percentiles; f) One child at the age of 12 was in the 5th percentile. Most of the children were in percentiles below those expected for their age group. According to the definition of speech and language disorders, we can observe that a group of these children fall under the condition of speech and language disorders, but have not been formally identified in the educational system, putting them at risk of failure in school and life. This study highlights the importance of language assessment and special education services for children living in institutions in Portugal. More studies with this population in these age groups are needed to better understand the language competencies of children living in residential care.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu/0058/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Job satisfaction amongst special education teachers

Introduction. The level of job satisfaction and attitudes of special education teachers towards working with children with disabilities significantly impact the attitudes of trained student teachers. Positive and satisfied special education teachers serve as role models, inspiring and influencing student teachers in a positive way. On the other hand, if special education teachers are dissatisfied or hold negative attitudes, it can discourage student teachers from pursuing a career in special education. Therefore, promoting job satisfaction and positive attitudes among special education teachers is crucial for fostering a supportive environment that encourages student teachers to embrace the challenges and rewards of working with children with disabilities. Aim. The present study aimed to measure the level of job satisfaction of special education teachers, their attitudes towards working with children with disabilities, and its effect on trained student teachers’ attitudes. Methodology and research methods. The authors developed a questionnaire to measure the level of job satisfaction, and a scale to measure the attitudes towards working with children with disabilities in the sample, validity and reliability were verified. The study sample consisted of 71 special education teachers and 71 teacher students who “receive their training with special education teachers”. The degree to which student teachers’ attitudes are affected by teachers’ satisfaction and their attitudes towards working with children with disabilities was determined using multiple linear regression analysis. Results. The means and standard deviations were extracted to analyse the results of the study, which appeared at an average level of performance on the “attitudes” scale, as the averages ranged from 2.49 to 4.20 and with arithmetic mean as a whole 3.49. Stepwise regression method adopted in the study introduced predicted variables into the regression equation stepwise, resulting in two statistically significant predictive models at the significance level α ≤ 0.05. The first model, involving teacher job satisfaction and student teacher attitudes towards working with children with disabilities, explained 7% of the total variance. The second model, which also considered teachers’ attitudes, explained a substantially larger portion of the variance, accounting for 64% of the total explained variance of the predictive model for student teachers’ attitudes towards working with children with disabilities. Scientific novelty. The findings highlight the significant influence of teacher job satisfaction and attitudes on student teachers’ attitudes. The study contributes to understanding of the factors shaping student teachers’ perspectives and underscores the importance of promoting job satisfaction and positive attitudes among special education teachers to foster a supportive learning environment. Practical significance of this study is that it provides valuable insights for the field of special education and teacher training. By examining the job satisfaction and attitudes of special education teachers towards working with children with disabilities and their impact on student teachers, the study informs educational practices and policies. Promoting job satisfaction and positive attitudes among special education teachers is crucial for creating a supportive environment and enhancing teacher training programmes. This knowledge can guide the development of strategies to improve the preparation of future educators and enhance the quality of special education services for children with disabilities. Overall, the study findings contribute to the field and have practical implications for improving educational experiences and outcomes.

Transition Class: A Bridge from Early Intervention to Early Childhood Special Education

ABSTRACT Transitions are widely acknowledged to present challenges for young children with special needs. In the US system, the transition from early intervention (EI; services for children aged 0–3) to early childhood special education services (ECSE; services for preschool children) is a process known to cause uncertainty and anxiety for families. This paper describes a transition class offered by a midwestern US EI agency; children receiving EI services are eligible to participate beginning at age 2;6. Agency personnel chart the children’s progress each week. For this study, researchers reviewed de-identified weekly progress reports for the 40 transition class participants who attended at least 6 class sessions. Class participants demonstrated highly significant changes across time in their tolerance for separation from parents/caregivers and their participation in structured class activities. These preliminary findings suggest that a structured class with familiar service providers may support young children in acquiring skills they will need for a successful transition to ECSE.

Parents’ Experiences Navigating Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education Services: A Qualitative Metasynthesis

Existing literature documents the importance and difficulty of serving families under a family-centered approach in Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE). However, less is known about the collective systematic experiences of those families. Through a qualitative metasynthesis of 15 empirical studies, we unveiled how EI/ECSE systems reproduced and/or reduced inequitable practices and that the promise of a family-centered approach is not experienced by all families and children. At a macro-level, a series of structural (e.g., racism, ableism) and social (e.g., access to various capital) factors shaped access to and the quality of services. At a micro-level, a series of facilitators (e.g., parents as experts) and barriers (e.g., disrespectful interactions) shaped everyday access to services and opportunities for meaningful collaboration between parents and service providers. Current gaps in the literature, implications for policy and practice, and recommendations for future research are addressed.

Higher rates of autism and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in American children: Are food quality issues impacting epigenetic inheritance?

In the United States, schools offer special education services to children who are diagnosed with a learning or neurodevelopmental disorder and have difficulty meeting their learning goals. Pediatricians may play a key role in helping children access special education services. The number of children ages 6-21 in the United States receiving special education services increased 10.4% from 2006 to 2021. Children receiving special education services under the autism category increased 242% during the same period. The demand for special education services for children under the developmental delay and other health impaired categories increased by 184% and 83% respectively. Although student enrollment in American schools has remained stable since 2006, the percentage distribution of children receiving special education services nearly tripled for the autism category and quadrupled for the developmental delay category by 2021. Allowable heavy metal residues remain persistent in the American food supply due to food ingredient manufacturing processes. Numerous clinical trial data indicate heavy metal exposures and poor diet are the primary epigenetic factors responsible for the autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder epidemics. Dietary heavy metal exposures, especially inorganic mercury and lead may impact gene behavior across generations. In 2021, the United States Congress found heavy metal residues problematic in the American food supply but took no legislative action. Mandatory health warning labels on select foods may be the only way to reduce dietary heavy metal exposures and improve child learning across generations.

Latina Mothers of Young Children With Special Needs: Personal Narratives Capturing the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The Latino community has been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in unique challenges. This paper explores the lived experiences of five Spanish-speaking Latina mothers of young children receiving early childhood special education (ECSE) services during the pandemic. Through in-depth qualitative interviews, this paper focuses on the following research questions: (1) What barriers have Spanish-speaking Latino families encountered in ECSE service delivery during this pandemic? (2) How have families overcome those barriers? Latina mothers describe how despite encountering numerous barriers to ECSE service delivery during the pandemic, they also experienced key areas of support and strength. We discuss how ECSE professionals can leverage these sources of support and strength in a culturally responsive manner to better support the Latino community through the pandemic. By presenting interviews with Latina mothers, this paper offers a unique interpretation of their experience which is often left out of educational research.

Calculating “At-Risk” Rates and Service Utilization Disparities in Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education Services

Calculating “At-Risk” Rates and Service Utilization Disparities in Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education Services

Introduction to the Special Issue: A New Era for Remote Early Intervention and Assessment

The COVID-19 pandemic illuminated a challenge in early intervention that the field has struggled for decades to adequately address: How do we implement evidence-based practices remotely while maintaining fidelity for the vast array of early intervention services? This is the core question that investigators sought to address in this Special Issue of the Journal of Early Intervention. Over the last quarter century, the internet and associated technology has transformed key parts of our daily lives, including how we communicate, shop, bank, and share data. Despite extensive funding from both public and private sectors that has generated innovative tools and approaches to deliver remote early intervention, few have reached scale. This has resulted in little change from traditional face-to-face intervention delivery relative to the sweeping changes seen in other sectors, until the Spring of 2020 when most of the world was faced with using unproven methods to deliver intervention and assessments remotely. In this introduction to the special issue, we provide a brief overview of the current need for effective practices to support remote early intervention and early childhood special education services, lessons learned from past education technology research, and an overview of the studies reported in the special issue.

Early childhood inclusion in the land of the long white cloud: a way forward for New Zealand

To examine the current status of early childhood inclusive education in New Zealand, this article highlights the country's overall structure of inclusive education and other services for individuals with special needs. The unique features of early childhood special education services are also highlighted. Challenges to enhance the quality of education and services for young children with special needs, as well as future possibilities in New Zealand, are also discussed.

Developmental Screening and Monitoring are Associated with Increased Preschool Special Education Receipt

To appropriately route children with developmental disabilities to appropriate early interventions, those children must first be identified via developmental screening and/or developmental monitoring. Most early identification research emphasizes the relationship between developmental screening and Part C early intervention (EI) receipt for children birth to two. The relationship between developmental monitoring and service receipt is understudied, particularly for 3 to 5-year-old children are routed to Part B (619) early childhood special education services. Thus, this study used data from the National Surveys of Children’s Health (2007, 2012) to investigate the relationship between community-based health care providers (HCP) developmental screening and/or monitoring and the odds of early childhood special education receipt for preschool aged children (3 to 5). Across years, children whose HCP provided both developmental screening and monitoring, or developmental monitoring alone, had substantially greater odds of receiving special education compared to those who did not receive screening or monitoring. Receipt of developmental screening alone was associated with special education receipt in 2012, but not 2007. Developmental monitoring is understudied compared to developmental screening. Data presented here indicate that monitoring is associated with Part B 619 special education receipt and warrants further investigation to better understand how, with developmental screening, developmental monitoring might improve the identification of young children in need of 619 services. In particular, longitudinal analyses capturing data across systems, from screening and monitoring to assessment and service receipt, is needed to understand the effectiveness of monitoring for early identification and appropriate routing of children to relevant care systems.

Parental involvement in developmental disabilities across three cultures: A systematic review

BackgroundParents play a critical role in the early intervention/early childhood special education (EI/ECSE) services provided to young children (birth-6 years) with developmental disabilities. Aim: The aim of this systematic review was to explore parental involvement in developmental disabilities across three cultures: Mainland China, Taiwan, and Turkey. MethodAccording to PRISMA guidelines, we searched for articles indexed in EBSCOhost, PsycINFO, and PubMed published within the last decade for one culture (i.e., Mainland China, Taiwan, and Turkey), using the following keywords: family/parent involvement/engagement, developmental disability/disabilities, young child/children, EI/ECSE, and culture. ResultsTwenty-four empirical studies were identified as relevant to our research. A majority of articles reported maternal involvement in EI/ECSE, and only a few studies included parents as intervention agents. ConclusionsThis review highlights the need for future research to investigate effects of culture on parental involvement and develop culturally responsive methodical approaches to underpin meaningful parental involvement in EI/ECSE.

A Review of EI/ECSE Systems Across Four Settings: Procedures and Lessons Learned

There is currently no reliable information on the number of children with disabilities across the globe due to differences in terminology, child find systems, and available of psychometrically sound assessment tools to identify children timely. This literature review examines the extant literature related to assessment methods used for identification of children for early intervention/early childhood special education (EI/ECSE) services in four settings: China, Singapore, Taiwan, and Turkey. Search criteria for the study started with peer-reviewed articles, published in English between 2008 and 2019. In addition to the peer-reviewed article search, government reports and technical evaluation papers in each setting’s native language are included. Findings are summarized in the following areas: 1) legal foundations; 2) assessment procedures on identification of young children with disabilities, and 3) education services for children with disabilities and their families. Similarities and differences across four settings regarding the EI/ECSE systems and initiatives are examined. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Law and Policy Training for the Identification of SLD in Hispanic Children

Abstract Objective The purpose of this poster is to present the results of a survey about perceived and real knowledge of federal regulations and policies required to evaluate, and provide services for, Hispanic children with Special Learning Disability (SLD). This work illustrates the relevance of getting education and training in law, policy, and ethics, for neuropsychologists evaluating and treating Hispanic children from diverse cultural backgrounds. Method The participants were 38 psychologists providing services to Hispanic children in Puerto Rico. The data were collected via an online survey distributed through professional email lists. The survey explored the professional's perception of their knowledge of federal laws and regulations and their educational needs in law training regarding special education regulations. The answers were analyzed using descriptive statistics as measures of central tendency (e.g. frequencies and means). Outcomes Around 52% of the responders indicated employment by the Department of Education to determine children’s eligibility for special education services. Thirty-seven percent mentioned not having knowledge of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act’s (IDEA) requirements when conducting evaluations. Around 20% were unsure of the extension of the law pertaining to the regulation of the definition, scope, and evaluation processes for diagnosis and eligibility of special education services for children with SLD. Finally, 79% of the surveyed professionals agreed that they need to be trained in law and policy to improve their practice. Discussion Hispanic children with special education needs are victims of disproportionate and inadequate access to services, while being vulnerable to other related inequities. To achieve cultural and social justice in neuropsychological practices, it is important to discuss the need of underlying educational training in law, policy, and ethics- areas that strictly regulate and determine the access to available resources for these minorities.

Integrated psychology support and comprehensive cognitive evaluation improves access to special education services for children with sickle cell disease.

Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at risk for cognitive deficits. Limited data describe whether comprehensive cognitive evaluation improves education resources and whether caregivers perceive the assessment as beneficial. We tested our two hypotheses: (a) an integrated comprehensive cognitive evaluation program in children with SCD results in increased special education services allocation; and (b) caregivers will value comprehensive cognitive evaluation services provided. In a tertiary care medical facility, as part of quality improvement project, in a before-and-after evaluation between March 2011 and July 2014, we examined the impact of targeted comprehensive cognitive evaluation on change in special education services. We also evaluated the caregiver's perception regarding the utility of the provided services. A total of 21% (42 of 196) students (median age 11 years, range 3-18) with SCD were referred for cognitive assessment due to overt stroke (n = 11), silent stroke (n = 14), or concerns about cognitive or academic functioning without evidence of strokes (n = 17). At baseline, 45.2% received special education services and after the comprehensive cognitive evaluation 86.7% received special education services (P < 0.001). Among 33 caregivers who completed the survey, 97% reported that the assessment was helpful and 60% indicated that assessment led to beneficial changes for their children at school. Education advocacy coupled with comprehensive cognitive assessment in students with SCD improved access to special education services, and caregivers uniformly endorse this service as having added value.

Early Communication Skills and Special Education Outcomes at School Entry: Implications for Pediatric Care and Screening.

Objective. To examine whether children’s early communication skills at age 3 predict special education outcomes at kindergarten entry. Methods. Data from 139 children eligible for early intervention or early childhood special education services were examined. Early communication was defined separately as expressive and receptive language skills and was measured by the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales–Second Edition. Outcome variables were parent-reported measures of special education use and dosage as well as speech therapy receipt and dosage at kindergarten entry. Results. Better expressive language skills at age 3—but not receptive language skills—predicted a significantly reduced likelihood (odds ratio = 0.79) of receiving speech therapy at kindergarten entry. There were no effects of early communication on broader receipt of special education services as well as on special education dosage. Conclusions. Screening of specific domains of early communication skills during routine pediatric care, in conjunction with the evaluations of other professionals involved in the child’s education and health, might be an effective method for identifying children who are likely to receive speech therapy and other special education services at kindergarten entry.

Using early indicators of academic risk to predict academic skills and socioemotional functioning at age 10.

Early indicators of academic risk were used to predict the academic skills, socioemotional functioning, and receipt of special education services at age 10 among children from low-income families who participated in the Early Head Start Research and Evaluation Project. Pairwise comparison of academic skills and socioemotional functioning among early academic risk indicator groups was used, and logistic regression modeling was used to predict receipt of special education services. Children who received early intervention or early childhood special education services or were suspected of having developmental delays before age 3 or at age 5 scored lower on academic skills and poorer on socioemotional functioning at age 10 than those without academic risk indicators. Children who had only biological risks before age 3 or at age 5 did not differ in academic skills or socioemotional functioning at age 10 compared to children without any academic risk indicators. Generally, children’s academic risk indicators identified later (at age 5) were stronger predictors of poor academic skills and socioemotional functioning at age 10 than were earlier academic risk indicators (before age 3). Only children who received early intervention services before age 3 or early childhood special education services at age 5 were more likely to receive special education services at age 10 than other groups. Early universal screening, monitoring, and continuous provision of appropriate services for children from low-income families and with academic risks are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved)

An Analysis of Research Trends on Related Services in Early Childhood Special Education: With a Special Reference to the Korean Special Education Journal Articles, Thesis, &amp; Dissertation Published from 2007 to 2017

본 연구는 『장애인 등에 대한 특수교육법』이 제정된 2007년부터 2017년까지 국내 특수교육 전문학 술지 및 학위 논문에 수록된 유아특수교육에서의 관련서비스 연구 동향을 분석하는데 그 목적이 있다. 이를 위하여 최근 11년간 발간된 국내 특수교육 전문 학술지와 학위 논문에 발표된 논문들 가운데 155편을 최종 분석 논문으로 선정하였으며, 연구 발표 유형(학술지, 학위)에 따른 연도별 동향, 연구 주제별(서비스 유형) 동향, 연구 방법별(연구 유형, 연구 대상) 동향으로 구분하여 분석하였다. 연구 결과 첫째, 유아특수교육에서의 관련서비스 국내 연구는 2007년 법 제정 이후 꾸준히 수행되었으며, 학술지 논문은 국내 13개 주요 학술지 가운데 ‘유아특수교육연구’에 가장 많이 게재되었으며, 학위논 문에서는 석사학위 논문이 박사학위 논문보다 더 많았다. 둘째, 구체적인 관련서비스 유형은 상담 지원 등 가족 지원에 관한 연구가 가장 많이 이루어졌으며, 다음으로는 치료 지원에 관한 연구가 많이 수행된 것으로 나타났다. 셋째, 연구 유형으로는 특수교육 관련서비스에 대한 인식 및 요구 등에 대한 조사 연구가 가장 높게 나타났고, 그 다음으로는 실제적인 관련서비스 프로그램을 통한 실험 연구가 많이 수행되었다. 이러한 연구 결과를 바탕으로 향후 국내 유아특수교육 관련서비스에 대한 연구 방향성과 교육현장에서의 효과적인 관련서비스 지원 방안이 제시되었다.The purpose of this study is to analyze the research trends of related services in early childhood special education from 2007 to 2017, when the 『Special Education Law for Individuals with Disabilities and the like』was enacted. For this purpose, 155 papers out of the specialized journal articles, thesis & dissertation published in the recent 11 years were selected as final analysis papers(academic journals, research subjects), and type of presentation by research paper(research journal, degree subject). The results of this study are as follows: First, domestic related service articles in early childhood special education have been carried out steadily since the enactment of the Act in 2007. Related service articles were most frequently published at the Journal of The Korean Society for Early Childhood Special Education compared to other Korean Journals, and more master’s degree articles were carried out than dissertation ones in academic papers. Second, regarding types of related services, family support, such as counseling support, was the most performed, followed by research on treatment support. Third, the types of research type were the research about the perception and the needs for the special education & related services, and then the experimental research through the practical related service programs. Based on such research results, future direction of research on early childhood special education services and effective support efforts were suggested in real educational settings.

Limited access to special education services for school-aged children with developmental delay

BackgroundCurrent policy in Oregon limits eligibility of children diagnosed with developmental delay for school-based services. Due to eligibility definitions, children with developmental delay may face additional barriers transitioning from early intervention/early childhood special education into school-based special education services. AimsExamine the relationship between enrollment in school-based special education programs given a change in primary disability diagnosis. MethodsLogistic regression models were fit for children who enrolled in early intervention/early childhood special education services with a primary disability diagnosis of developmental delay and changed primary disability diagnosis before third grade (n=5076). ResultsOdds of enrollment in future special education were greater in children with a change in primary disability diagnosis after the age of five in comparison to children that had a change in primary disability diagnosis before the age of five, while adjusting for demographic characteristics (adjusted odds ratio: 2.37, 95% CI 1.92, 2.92). ConclusionResults suggest that children who are diagnosed with a developmental delay and exit early childhood special education due to maximum age of eligibility are more likely to enroll in special education compared to children without a gap in service access. ImplicationsGaps in service access during early development are associated with the need for supportive services later on in life.

Perspectives from Both Sides of the Parent–Professional Partnership: A Preliminary Study on Taiwan’s Early Childhood Special Education Services

The purpose of this qualitative study was to get an understanding of perspectives on effective parent–professional partnership for young children with special needs in Taiwan. Through purposive sampling, a total of nine parent–professional pairs were recruited. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to obtain perspectives from both sides of the partnerships about building effective partnerships. Data analyses were based on six domains (communication, commitment, equality, skills, trust and respect), and the results showed that (1) positive partnerships were found between partners; (2) participants agreed that their partners fulfilled their roles and met the children’s needs; (3) effective two-way communication was the key for building successful partnerships; and (4) other essential domains of competence (e.g. skills) needed to be further considered as well. Most importantly, the study further emphasised that positive partnerships should be built through effort from both sides.