From Cradle to Classroom

A Guide to Special Education for Young Children

By: Nicholas D. Young, Elizabeth Jean, Anne E. Mead

Narrated by: Suzie Althens

From Cradle to Classroom: A Guide to Special Education for Young Children is an audiobook made for regular and special education teachers, school administrators, school psychologists, related educational personnel, day care providers, parents, graduate students, and policy makers who work on behalf of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers to ensure they are ready for formal education when they reach age five. It reflects a keen understanding that early interventions are most effective in reducing the potential for special education or other support services later in a child’s development.

Research shows the benefits of investing in early intervention and high-quality preschool as a way to mitigate educational gaps in learning and to improve the development of children across all domains (Executive Office of the President of the United States, 2015; Lynch & Vaghul, 2015; Yoshikawa et al., 2013). Throughout the audiobook, listeners will find strategies to help atypical children navigate the world as they move from infancy to toddlerhood, and to preschool and beyond. The chapters dig deep and offer expansive understandings of the components necessary to ensure young children, especially those with exceptionalities, become successful students.

©2018 Nicholas D. Young, Elizabeth Jean, and Anne E. Mead (P)2019 Vibrance Press

Critic reviews

"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." (Judith L. Klimkiewicz, EdD, senior consultant for K-12 college/career education and workforce development, commissioner's office, Massachusetts, department of elementary and secondary education, superintendent of schools, retired, Nashoba Valley Technical School District, MA)

"From Cradle to Classroom: A Guide to Special Education for Young Children takes a comprehensive look at the world of special education as it relates to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. The book offers a reflective view of the history of preschool and the laws that protect and help this youngest population, then delves into the many aspects unique to this age group, especially those with exceptionalities. From the importance of family/practitioner partnerships to the necessity of early intervention and guiding the transition from preschool to grade school, this extraordinary reference book is a must-have for all early childhood practitioners, parents, educators, and administrators." (Martha H. von Mering, executive officer of special education and related services, Springfield Public Schools, Springfield, MA)

"From Cradle to Classroom: A Guide to Special Education for Young Children is written by educators with many years of experience working with young children. This book offers educators a look at the progression of typical and atypical human development, as well as creating classrooms that meet the physical, cognitive, and social-emotional needs of infants through youngsters entering kindergarten. All children deserve well-trained educators and inclusive classrooms that provide a multitude of high-quality experiences. If you work with children with special learning needs, then From Cradle to Classroom is a must-have resource for evidence-based strategies and methods that will help all children be successful." (Ashley Nelson, teacher, Infants and Toddler Kinder Care, Bethel, Connecticut)