Date of Award
5-16-1991
Document Type
Dissertation - NSU Access Only
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Center for the Advancement of Education
Advisor
S. McCord
Abstract
This report described a series of intervention strategies directed at providing services and programs for developmentally delayed infants and toddlers at-risk, birth through two. Evloence clearly indicated that at the proposal stage. Calvert County did not have a coordinated delivery system in place to provide such progress. A search of the literature showed that in order to reduce longitudinal problems it was in the best interest of Handicapped Infants and Toddlers to receive assistance at the earliest possible time in their development. It was further demonstrated that programs for Handicapped Infants and Toddlers were a major educational concern by the passage of a significant piece of legislation. Public Law 99-457 part H in 1986. Since 1986, the federal government has directed the States toward a course of full service implementation by 1991. By law, the approach must be interagency in nature, with the selection of a lead agency required to meet 14 stated components. Utilizing the mandates of the law as the foundation for developing a comprehensive system. Calvert County, under the leadership of the Department of Education, pursued a course of action to correct the discrepancy. These actions created a comprehensive system of services that has been available to handicapped infants and toddlers since January 31, 1991. By completing the strategies, infants and toddlers at risk in Calvert County are receiving direct services. The development of an administrative handbook that met the all requirements of 99-457 part H and the finalization of interagency cooperation have established an ongoing process for meeting the needs of these children. It has been an integral of Calvert County delivery system for handicapped individuals.