From Cradle to Classroom

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 Jean has 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 children’s 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 O’Reilly-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

In a world of firsts, infancy, toddlerhood, and preschool hold many sacred events. Sometimes, however, those moments are hard won due to poverty, homelessness, cultural differences, or disabilities. It is for those times that From Cradle to Classroom: A Guide to Special Education for Young Children was written. Reading this book, parents, families, and community members will begin to understand the complexities of special education for the youngest of children. Educators, practitioners, and preservice teachers will reference this book again and again when working with the youngest members of society with exceptionalities or those who are at risk. A comprehensive look at the many facets of special education for children from birth to 5 years of age, this book fills the gaps in current research and literature.