The beginnings of federal help for young children with disabilities

The beginning of federal help for young people with disabilities was stimulated by an earlier interest in economically disadvantaged children through HeadStart. Because of that interest a small demonstration program, the Handicapped Children's Early Education Program (HCEEP), a visible concern for young children with disabilities began in 1968. A major technical assistance project accompanied the HCEEP program, followed by personnel preparation and research initiatives in early childhood by OSEP and NICHD. State grants to aid in developing early childhood services were followed by the Education of the Handicapped Amendments of 1986 that mandated services in participating 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.