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Challenging behaviors are linked to negative long-term developmental outcomes for young children with disabilities and remain a primary focus of service delivery for many early intervention practitioners and families. Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a tiered prevention framework that recommends evidence-based positive behavior support (PBS) strategies to effectively address young children's challenging behaviors and promote prosocial skills. However, there is limited research investigating the feasibility of a PBIS approach in Part C early intervention settings, which employ a family-centered approach to serve an increasingly culturally and linguistically heterogeneous population of young children and their families. This article presents findings from a convergent mixed methods study aiming to understand the impact of PBIS approach components implemented in an early intervention context (PBIS-EI) to support diverse families in addressing children's challenging behaviors at home. EI practitioners' implementation of PBS strategies is measured over time and practitioner experiences with supporting parents' use of PBS strategies are explored via qualitative interviews. Findings show increases in EI practitioner confidence and implementation of strategies, as well as practitioner-reported experiences. Implications for practice and future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research Findings: This paper presents findings from an exploratory study to define associations between social–emotional teaching practices and teacher characteristics through a person-centered approach. The sample consisted of 97 teachers working in center-based early childhood education settings with young children ages 2–5 in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. We analyzed teachers' observed classroom social–emotional teaching practices and self-reported Professional Development (PD) experiences, job attitudes (e.g., job-related stress, satisfaction, and commitment), and disciplinary efficacy to identify profile membership of teachers. A latent profile analysis revealed 4 profiles: (a) higher practice quality, higher PD experience, higher job attitudes, and higher disciplinary efficacy, (b) higher practice quality, mixed PD experience, lower job attitudes, and lower disciplinary efficacy, (c) lower practice quality, mixed PD experience, higher job attitudes, and higher disciplinary efficacy, and (d) lower practice quality, mixed PD experience, mixed job attitudes, and lower disciplinary efficacy. Practice or Policy: The results suggest that a person-centered approach to understanding classroom quality might provide multiple dimensions to consider for quality improvement. Additionally, a tailored and tiered professional development approach to support the early childhood workforce is needed that considers the complex connections between teachers' practices, beliefs, and job attitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Tanzania, many people are not aware of the concept of learning disabilities. Parents and teachers often do not realise that children who do poorly in school and do not have visible disabilities, could still have a disability that is causing their poor school performance. This paper presents the results of a research and service project to identify and support students with mild disabilities in an inclusive school in Tanzania during the three-year pilot process. An international NGO implemented a culturally-relevant, curriculum-based assessment for screening grade 1 students with potential delays or disabilities and provided Tier 2 interventions through small group lessons. In this three-year study, 413 students were screened, 108 students received Tier 2 services and six students received Tier 3 services. Students in Tier 2 received small group instruction in mathematics and literacy as a pull-out programme. Students in Tier 3 attended a special school for children with disabilities. Results showed that students who received Tier 2 intervention made statistically significant gains in their assessment scores after six and twelve months of services. This study demonstrated one successful assessment and intervention model in a typical Tanzanian school to support young children with disabilities to improve their academic outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to examine the perspectives of Filipino immigrant mothers regarding the roles and focus of their interactions with their infants and toddlers. Qualitative procedures were used to analyse transcripts from structured, open-ended interviews with 24 mothers of 10- to 36-month-old children. Statements of mothers were organised into three themes, within which several subthemes were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]