Alternative Administrative Strategies for Young Handicapped Children: A Policy Analysis

Abstract

One of the major and puzzling omissions from the legislative blizzard for the handicapped in the 1960's and 1970's has been the preschool handicapped child, aged 0-3. The present policy analysis explores the preferences of three groups of interested persons in 10 program options that would provide services for young children. A group of educators, mental retardation specialists, and advocates all chose public education as the preferred agency to administer services for young handicapped children. Public education was identified as long standing and public funded and more likely to provide continued program support.