The long-term success of PL 9—457 ultimately depends on the extent to which states can ensure that professionals working in early intervention are adequately prepared. Two broad issues must be addressed in developing comprehensive personnel systems: the development of personnel standards and the development of a system that will enable personnel to achieve these standards. This article provides an overview of the many issues states must address in developing their personnel systems. Selected examples from various states are provided to demonstrate alternatives and approaches currently being considered and implemented.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Bailey, D. (1989). Issues and directions in preparing professionals to work with young handicapped children and their families. In J. Gallagher, P. Trohanis, & R. Clifford (Eds.), Policy implementation and P.L. 99–457: Planning for young children with special needs (pp. 97–132). Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes.
Bricker, D., & Slentz, K. (1988). Personnel preparation: Handicapped infants. In M.C. Wang, M.C. Reynolds, & H.J. Walberg (Eds.), Handbook of special education: Research and practice (Vol. 3, pp. 319–345). Elmsford, NY: Pergamon Books.
4.
Fenichel, E.S., & Eggbeer, L. (1989). Educating allies: Issues and recommendations in the training of practitioners to work with infants, toddlers and their families. Zero to Three, 10(1), 1–7.
5.
Gallagher, J. (1989). Planning for personnel preparation: A policy alert. Chapel Hill: Carolina Policy Program, University of North Carolina.
6.
Gilkerson, L., Hilliard, A.G., Schrag, E., & Shonkoff, J.P. (1987). Point of view: Commenting on P.L. 99–457. Zero to Three, 7(3), 13–17.
7.
Kontos, S. (1989). A profile of Indiana's early intervention workforce: Final report. Lafayette, IN: Department of Child Development and Families Studies.
8.
McCollum, J.A., & Thorp, E.K. (1988). Training of infant specialists: A look to the future. Infants and Young Children, 1(2), 55–65.
9.
McLaughlin, M.J., Smith-Davis, J., & Burke, P.J. (1986). Personnel to educate the handicapped in America: A status report. College Park: University of Maryland, Institute for the Study of Exceptional Children and Youth.
10.
Meisels, S.J., Harbin, G., Modigliani, I., & Olson, K. (1986). Formulating optimal state early childhood intervention policies. Exceptional Children, 55, 159–165.
11.
National Center for Clinical Infant Programs (1986). Training and manpower issues in services to disabled and at-risk infants, toddlers and their families. Washington, DC: Author.
12.
Palsha, S.A., Bailey, D.B., Vandiviere, P., & Munn, D. (in press). A study of employee stability and turnover in home-based early intervention. Journal of Early Intervention.
13.
Smull, M., & Bunsen, T. (1988). Projecting special education teacher need: A dynamic supply/demand model. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs.
14.
Thorp, E.K., & McCollum, J.A. (1988). Defining the infancy specialization in early childhood special education. In J.G. Jordan, J.J. Gallagher, P.L. Hutinger, & M.B. Karnes (Eds.), Early childhood special education: Birth-three (pp. 147–161). Reston, VA: Council for Exceptional Children.
