
Early intervention and special education programs provide supports and services to children with disabilities so they can develop, learn, and grow to reach their fullest potential. Early intervention focuses on family engagement and includes specialized services such as physical, occupational, or speech therapy for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities in their natural environments. Special education programs provide therapies and educational services to preschool and school-age children in the least restrictive environment. FPG's work in early intervention and special education is extensive and conducted at every level of the system (i.e., national, state, and local ). Our technical assistance projects include tools, resources, and processes to support system leaders in building the infrastructure necessary to facilitate practitioners’ use of evidence-based practices to improve outcomes for children with disabilities and their families. Projects also provide faculty and professional development providers with strategies for preparing the early childhood workforce to support the learning and development of young children with disabilities.
Featured Project
The Early Childhood TA Center (ECTA) is funded to support state Part C and Preschool Section 619 programs in developing high-quality early intervention and preschool special education service systems, increasing local implementation of evidence-based practices, and enhancing outcomes for young children with disabilities and their families.
Featured Publication
The "State of the Special Education Profession Survey Report" provides a snapshot of the current state of the special education profession. The survey was commissioned by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Pioneers Division and serves as a foundation for CEC leadership and program development.
Featured Person
Senior research scientist Samuel L. Odom, PhD, holds a dual appointment on the faculty of the UNC School of Education. He is the author or co-author of more than 100 publications and editor or co-editor of 11 books on early childhood intervention and developmental disabilities. His current research focuses on autism spectrum disorder.