Rural Outreach Training in Early Childhood Special Education: A Cooperative Model

Abstract

In order to provide comprehensive services to young handicapped children (ages birth to five) in a state characterized by great geographic expanses and inaccessible mountain regions, with resulting difficulties in communication and service delivery, a cooperative effort was launched by the state university and the state education agency for the assessment of need and the provision of teacher training in remote areas. This model, which makes use of such cost-effective measures as telephone and mail surveys, on-site follow-up interviews, a micro-teaching module for practicum supervision, and short, intensive courses in remote areas of the state, is presented as having implications for other states with similar geographic problems. It is suggested that in order fully to implement the spirit of P.L. 94-142, training for certification must be made available on a state-wide basis to all specialists who work with young handicapped children.