Services for Infants, Toddlers, & Preschoolers Toddlers and
preschoolers with special needs often benefit from attending
programs designed and staffed with their needs in mind. In most
infant and preschool special needs programs, there are many
specialized professionals who have gone through extensive
training to work with such children. In some cases, children may
be provided services at home (Schweinhart, et al.. 1986). This
is more often true for children less than two years old or those
who are severely physically impaired. Many home-based services
are parent-oriented and emphasize professional staff who train
parents how to interact most effectively with their children.
Some home-based programs are child-oriented and emphasize
professionals who provide direct intervention with the child.
Sometimes, these children may also receive therapy services at a
regular daycare or preschool program (Wasik, Ramey, Bryant, &
Sparling, 1990). There is a growing trend for home-based and
center-based programs to be fami