ABSTRACT
Those engaged in the field of early intervention today are involved in perhaps its most vibrant historical period. Progress reports summarising innovative projects, journal articles describing new advances, and conference papers alerting us to possible future directions all bring to our attention the extraordinary amount of knowledge being generated with respect to strategies and approaches designed to enhance the development of vulnerable young children. Moreover, dramatic increases are occurring with respect to our understanding as to how development unfolds for vulnerable children and the specific developmental mechanisms, pathways, and influences involved. These advances suggest that a more complete integration of the fields of early child development and early intervention is rapidly approaching. Perhaps most impressive is the diversity of intervention approaches taken to enhance the development of vulnerable children; some addressing a relatively narrow aspect of development, whereas others design and implement more complex and comprehensive sets of intervention strategies. Nevertheless, the vast array of models and intervention strategies that are continually emerging are signs not only of the complexity of the issues that the early intervention field confronts, but also indicate the vigour, commitment, and energy of those seeking to find the most effective means of supporting children’s development.
