Early Intervention

Early intervention is a term that is often used to describe specific agencies, programs, services, and resources for children from birth to five years who are at risk of developing a handicapping condition or other special need that may affect their development.

A study by High/Scope Educational Research Foundation of Ypsilanti, Michigan, showed the significant value of early intervention. From 1962-1967, 123 African Americans, all aged 3 to 4 and born in poverty, and therefore at a high risk of later failing in school, were randomly divided into two groups. One group was exposed to a high-quality preschool program while the control group was not exposed to any preschool programs. The findings of this study were significant. Almost a third as many of those attending the preschool program, opposed to those with no preschool exposure (71% vs. 54%), graduated from regular or adult high school, or received their General Education Development Certificate.

RESOURCES:

Audiblox Cognitive Development Program
System of cognitive exercises, aimed at the development of the skills foundational to reading, spelling, writing and math. Can be used from the age of 3 to prevent and overcome learning disabilities.

Early Childhood Education Online
Online magazine on early childhood education, early childhood development, and early intervention.

Preventing Learning Disabilities: Teachers Test the Audiblox Claims
Prevention is better than cure. Kindergarten teachers test the Audiblox claims which include improved “concentration, perception, memory, reasoning, sensory motor integration, visual and auditory discrimination, spatial awareness, number concept and motor co-ordination. The benefits are said to include better achievement in reading, writing, mathematics and spelling with less learning difficulties, effective help for dyslexics, faster learning and working rate, improved classroom discipline, greater self-esteem and better motivation towards learning by the participants.”