PSY442Y5 Chapter 3: Early Childhood Years.docx
Document Summary
Educational, social, and health needs of young children with disabilities. First years of life are critical to the overall development of all children:early learning experiences provide a foundation for future learning, growth, and development, and for creation of strong parent-professional partnership. Early stimulation is crucial to later development of language, intelligence, personality, and sense of worth. For children at risk for disabilities, intervention should begin as early as possible, in an environment free of traditional disability labels. Carefully selected services and supports can reducae the long-term impact of the disability and counteract any negative effects of waiting to intervene. Postponement of services may undermine a child"s overall development, and his/her acquisition of specific skills. Early intervention: comprehensive services for infants and toddlers who are disabled or at risk of getting a disability. Early intervention advocates say: carefully selected support and services for disabled or at risk of disability children should be provided as early as possible.