Legal Requirements for Evaluation and Assessment:

Recommended Reading

The enactment of the Part C early intervention program of IDEA

Meisels, S. & Shonkoff, J. (2000). Early childhood intervention: A continuing evolution. In J. Shonkoff and S. Meisels (eds), Handbook of early childhood intervention, pp. 3-34 (second edition). New York: Cambridge University Press.

Summary This chapter explores the history of early childhood intervention in four parts: 1) the historical health and educational roots prior to 1960; 2) advances in practice since 1960; 3) provisions of the landmark Individuals with Disabilities Education Act that mandates comprehensive family-centered services for young children with developmental disabilities and delays, and their families; and 4) conceptual and programmatic challenges facing early intervention in the beginning of the 21st century.

Eligibility

Harbin, G., Gallagher, J., & Terry, D. (1991). Defining the eligible population: policy issues and challenges. Journal of Early Intervention, 15(1), 13-20.

Shackelford, J. (2004). State and jurisdictional eligibility definitions for infants and toddlers with disabilities under IDEA. (NECTAC Notes # 16). Chapel Hill: The University of North Carolina, FPG child Development Institute, National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center.

Summary This paper discusses how the 50 states and 6 jurisdictions participating in the Part C early intervention program define developmental delay, and at risk, as applicable, in their definition of eligibility for services.

Shonkoff, J. & Meisels, S. (1991). Defining eligibility for services under Public law 99-457. Journal of Early Intervention, 15(1), 21-25.

Informed clinical opinion

Shackelford, J. (2002). Informed clinical opinion. NECTAC Notes # 10). Chapel Hill: The University of North Carolina, FPG child Development Institute, National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center

Summary This brief document clarifies “informed clinical opinion” by discussing its meaning in the context of Part C early intervention services, how it affects the determination of eligibility, and why it is necessary to document the sources and use by early intervention service providers.