The beginning of federal help for young people with disabilities was stimul
ated by an earlier interest in economically disadvantaged children through
HeadStart. Because of that interest a small demonstration program, the Hand
icapped Children's Early Education Program (HCEEP), a visible concern for y
oung children with disabilities began in 1968. A major technical assistance
project accompanied the HCEEP program, followed by personnel preparation a
nd research initiatives in early childhood by OSEP and NICHD. State grants
to aid in developing early childhood services were followed by the Educatio
n of the Handicapped Amendments of 1986 that mandated services in participa
ting states. A total of 18 years was needed before these various components
were in place, reminding us that public policy moves incrementally even in
areas of substantial professional and public agreement.