PRESCHOOLERS EXPOSED TO COCAINE - EARLY-CHILDHOOD SPECIAL-EDUCATION AND HEAD-START PREPARATION

A survey was completed by 85 Early Childhood Special Education and 88 Head Start educators in the 5 southeastern states of Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, and South Carolina. The study sought to provide state-of-the-art descriptive information regarding preparation experi ences and educational needs of 2 education-based groups who provide pr eschool opportunities and experiences to young children (3 to 5 years) identified as prenatally exposed to cocaine. The results suggested co mmon preservice and inservice opportunities for both groups, and conce rns and additional preparation areas were identified. Furthermore, a v ariety of descriptive information was reported regarding service patte rns to this population. These results seemed to have implications for preservice/inservice preparation, coordination of services, and resear ch.