From Cradle to Classroom: A Guide to Special Education for Young Children is a book written for regular and special education teachers, school administrators, school psychologists, related educational personnel, day care providers, parents, graduate students, and policy makers who work on behalf of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers to ensure they are ready for formal education when they reach age 5. It reflects a keen understanding that early interventions are most effective in reducing the potential for special education or other support services later in a childs development.Research shows the benefits of investing in early intervention and high-quality preschool as a way to mitigate educational gaps in learning and to improve the development of children across all domains (Executive Office of the President of the United States, 2015; Lynch& Vaghul, 2015; Yoshikawa et al., 2013). Throughout the book, readers will find strategies to help atypical children navigate the world as they move from infancy to toddlerhood, and to preschool and beyond. The chapters dig deep and offer expansive understandings of the components necessary to ensure young children, especially those with exceptionalities, become successful students.

Dr.Nicholas D. Young has worked in diverse educational roles for more than 28 years, serving as a principal, special education director, graduate professor, graduate program director, graduate dean, and longtime superintendent of schools. He was named the Massachusetts Superintendent of the Year; and he completed a distinguished Fulbright program focused on the Japanese educational system through the collegiate level. Dr. Young has written several books, book chapters and articles on various topics in education and psychology.Dr.Elizabeth Jeanhas served as an elementary school educator and administrator in various rural and urban settings in Massachusetts for more than 20 years; and she is also a graduate adjunct professor at Endicott College. Dr. Jean has written extensively on various educational topics as well co-authored and illustrated several childrens books.Dr.Anne M. Mead has over 35 years of experience in the early childhood education field. Her career has spanned professional roles as a family child care provider, child care center director, preschool special education instructor, early childhood education trainer, and consultant on organizational and system management. Dr. Mead is currently the administrator for early childhood programs and extended learning for the Danbury Public Schools in Danbury, Connecticut.

Foreword-Sue OReilly-McRae, Ed.D.PrefaceAcknowledgmentsChapter 1: From Humble Beginnings: Understanding the History, Laws, and Importance of Early Childhood EducationChapter 2: Identifying Children with Educational Needs and the Systems to Support ThemChapter 3: Childhood Development: Influences from the Outside InChapter 4: Home-School Partnerships: Connecting Where It CountsChapter 5: Multicultural Considerations for Young Children and Their FamiliesChapter 6: Supporting Cognitive Development to Benefit LearningChapter 7: Physical Development: Milestones that MatterChapter 8: Addressing the Social and Emotional Needs of Young ChildrenChapter 9: Speech and Language Delays that Affect Development and LearningChapter 10: Potency of Play as an InterventionChapter 11: Critical Transitions: Moving Forward after PreschoolReferencesAbout the Authors