Filled with classic and current research about all aspects of educating young children with special needs, THE EXCEPTIONAL CHILD: INCLUSION IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, 8th Edition, discusses key approaches and tools needed to provide an optimal setting for young exceptional children with special needs and their families. Many checklists and forms are included for use within the classroom to aid teachers and caregivers in developing a developmentally appropriate environment. The book's friendly and easy-to-use format is useful whether you are an educator or parent/caregiver.

SECTION 1: EARLY INTERVENTION AND PUBLIC POLICY. 1. An Inclusive Approach to Early Education. 2. Federal Legislation: Early Intervention and Prevention. 3. Inclusive Programs for Young Children. Section 1 Wrap Up: Early Intervention & Public Policy. SECTION 2: LIKENESSES AND DIFFERENCES AMONG CHILDREN. 4. Normal and Exceptional Development. 5. Developmental Disabilities: Causes and Classifications. 6. Sensory Impairments: Hearing and Vision. 7. Physical Disabilities and Health Problems. 8. Learning and Behavior Disorders. Section 2 Wrap Up: Likenesses and Differences Among Children. SECTION 3: PLANNING FOR INCLUSION. 9. Partnership with Families. 10. Assessment and the IFSP/IEP Process. 11. Characteristics of Effective Teachers in Inclusive Programs. Section 3 Wrap Up: Planning for Inclusion. SECTION 4: IMPLEMENTING INCLUSIVE EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS. 12. The Developmental-Behavioral Approach. 13. Arranging the Learning Environment. 14. Facilitating Self-Care, Adaptive, and Independence Skills. 15. Facilitating Social Development. 16. Facilitating Speech, Language, and Communication Skills. 17. Facilitating Pre-Academic and Cognitive Learning. 18. Managing Challenging Behaviors. 19. Planning Transitions to Support Inclusion. Section 4 Wrap Up: Implementing Inclusive Early Childhood Programs. Appendix A: Culminating Activities. Appendix B: Skill Profile (0-72 Months). Appendix C: Sources of Information, Support, and Training Material for Teachers and Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities. Appendix D: Early Learning and Developmental Diversity. Appendix E: Sample IFSP Form. Glossary. References. Index.