A Comparative Study of Early Intervention in Zimbabwe, Poland, China, India, and the United States of America

This paper briefly introduces Early Intervention (EI) issues in five countries including Zimbabwe, Poland, People's Republic of China (PRC), India, and the United States of America (USA). In the overview section the national background, including religious, socio-economic development, and political systems, its policies, laws and acts, are delineated, since all of these factors combine together to impact the EI development in each specific country. Next, different approaches used in these five countries are introduced and compared. Lastly, a matrix is used to contrast EI development in five countries. In conclusion the author, taking into account cultural norms and other issues, points out strengths and weaknesses in each country and suggests ways in which countries might benefit from others practices and experiences. (Contains 1 figure.)