The Positive Impact of Early Intervention for Children With Developmental Delays, Gestational Cocaine Exposure, and Co-Occurring Risk Factors

ABSTRACT

This article examined transition rates of young children (n = 102) from an early intervention program at the Linda Ray Intervention Program (LRIP) who had documented developmental delays and co-occurring prenatal drug exposure often coupled with verified child maltreatment. Findings indicated that there was significant group improvement from entrance to exit across all six Battelle Domains at the p < .05 level. Also, children who were enrolled for a longer period of time saw significantly better adaptive, personal-social, communication, and Battelle total scale scores at the p < .05 level. Finally, data revealed that boys were 5 times more likely than girls to be transitioned to Part B services after exit from LRIP. A longitudinal study of a subgroup of these children indicated that LRIP children who were in grades K–3 needed fewer special education services in elementary school than they needed at age 36 months, indicating a further reduction in special education needs for these children.

Acknowledgments

There are no conflicts of interest for either M. Ullery or L. Katz. The LRIP is funded by Miami-Dade County Public schools, Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System (FDLRS), and The Children's Trust.