Predicting the Timing of Early Intervention/Special Education Services: The Impact of Health-Related Risk Factors

• In Event: Issues in Early Childhood Education

Abstract

Low birthweight (LBW) and prematurity are identified as two major health-related risks associated with adverse developmental/educational outcomes. However, the association between health-related risks and temporality of children’s first receiving special education to address developmental problems was not clear. In view of the importance of early intervention, this longitudinal study (N=3,000) investigated the predictive relations between health-related risk factors and the timing of children’s first receiving special education services. Findings indicate that LBW and prematurity were associated with the age of children first receiving special education services. Students with such health-related risks appear to receive earlier service compared to others at any point of time. Implications of early intervention for children with LBW and prematurity and associated family services are discussed.

Authors

• Chin-Chih Chen, Virginia Commonwealth University

• Irina Cain, Virginia Commonwealth University

• Yaoying Xu, Virginia Commonwealth University