Preparation of Early Childhood Special Education Personnel: Alignment with Personnel Preparation Guidance

Preparation of early childhood special educators, including early interventionists, includes knowledge and application of different practices than either early childhood generally or school-age special education. Several organizations, including the Division of Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children, have identified relevant recommended practices and personnel preparation guidelines. Faculty in early childhood special education and early intervention programs were surveyed to determine how program development and delivery align with recommended practices and personnel preparation guidelines. Forty-seven respondents completed the survey and results indicate variable alignment with personnel preparation guidance. Future directions for the field are provided.