Preparing Professionals to Educate Handicapped Infants and Young Children

Abstract

Major new legislation providing incentives to states to educate infants and young children, the 1986 Amendments to the Education of the Handicapped Act, P.L. 99–457, has created expectations in parents and professionals for significantly improving the chances of young handicapped children/infants to develop normally. However, implementation of this legislation is ultimately dependent on those who provide the services. This article encourages teacher trainers to confront the major policy issues of personnel shortages, certification standards, program content, and inservice training as they strive to meet the demand for necessary personnel.