From Cradle to Classroom: A Guide to Special Education for Young Children - Hardcover

In a world of firsts, infancy, toddlerhood, and preschool hold many sacred events. Sometimes, however, those moments are hard won due to poverty, homelessness, cultural differences, or disabilities. It is for those times that From Cradle to Classroom: A Guide to Special Education for Young Children was written. Reading this book, parents, families, and community members will begin to understand the complexities of special education for the youngest of children. Educators, practitioners, and preservice teachers will reference this book again and again when working with the youngest members of society with exceptionalities or those who are at risk. A comprehensive look at the many facets of special education for children from birth to 5 years of age, this book fills the gaps in current research and literature. -- Judith L. Klimkiewicz, EdD, senior consultant for K-12 College/Career Education and Workforce Development, Commissioner's Office, Massachusetts, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, superintendent of schools, retired, Nashoba Valley Technical School District, MA From Cradle to Classroom: A Guide to Special Education for Young Children takes a comprehensive look at the world of special education as it relates to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. The book offers a reflective view of the history of preschool and the laws that protect and help this youngest population, then delves into the many aspects unique to this age group, especially those with exceptionalities. From the importance of family/practitioner partnerships to the necessity of early intervention and guiding the transition from preschool to grade school, this extraordinary reference book is a must-have for all early childhood practitioners, parents, educators, and administrators. -- Martha H. von Mering, executive officer of special education & related services, Springfield Public Schools, Springfield, MA From Cradle to Classroom: A Guide to Special Education for Young Children is written by educators with many years of experience working with young children. This book offers educators a look at the progression of typical and atypical human development, as well as creating classrooms that meet the physical, cognitive, and social-emotional needs of infants through youngsters entering kindergarten. All children deserve well-trained educators and inclusive classrooms that provide a multitude of high-quality experiences. If you work with children with special learning needs, then From Cradle to Classroom is a must-have resource for evidence-based strategies and methods that will help all children be successful. -- Ashley Nelson, teacher, Infants and Toddler Kinder Care, Bethel, Connecticut This book is for teachers, administrators, and related service providers who are interested in addressing the unique needs of our youngest learners. From the legislative requirements to the primary importance of strong, trusting relationships, development across all domains, the primary importance of play and transition to formal K-12 schooling, this book addresses the importance of early intervention. The significance of early intervention as a life-changing opportunity for young children and their families is made very clear by the authors. Appropriate and well-designed early intervention can be the key to changing the trajectory of a child. From Cradle to Classroom: A Guide to Special Education for Young Children will be a resource to guide the reader through theory, process, and human aspects of early intervention. -- Andrea Brinnel, early childhood specialist, Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, Division of Early Care and Education