The third edition of Building Blocks provides readers with a framework for successful and meaningful inclusion of preschoolers with special needs. Like the first two editions, the third edition offers teachers effective, research-based instructional practices to promote learning in inclusive classrooms. The authors have updated existing content and added new content to reflect current thinking in the field.

During the first years of life, before a child’s first words, preverbal communication and engagement between children and their caregivers build an essential foundation for language and learning across domains. Many children with disabilities and their families struggle to connect early in life and need support developing early communication skills—and now there’s a comprehensive resource to help birth-to-three practitioners deliver that critical support to young children with disabilities and their families.   The product of more than three decades of research and clinical work, this accessible guidebook will help professionals harness the power of Triadic Gaze Intervention (TGI), an evidence-based strategy that supports the development of early communication behaviors—gaze, gestures, and vocalizations—in young children with disabilities. Through a straightforward protocol, practitioners will learn powerful techniques for helping caregivers engage young children during everyday routines and build their preverbal communication skills. In-depth practical guidance—enhanced with tip sheets, case examples, photos, and demonstration videos—make the protocol easy to learn and put into action with families and children.  A must for early interventionists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other practitioners, this book is the key to helping young children with disabilities learn to successfully communicate, bond with their families, and engage with their world. READERS WILL: Learn about the six elements of the authors’ PoWRRS-Connect protocol for implementing TGI: providing opportunity, waiting, recognizing, responding, shaping, and connecting Use the protocol to help children make progress toward IFSP goals related to communication and engagement Tailor the protocol for individual children with a range of disabilities and needs, including motor, sensory, or social impairments Embed opportunities for communication and engagement into each family’s authentic routines and activities Facilitate stronger collaborative partnerships with caregivers Discover how to monitor small measures of progress in engagement and communication through the lens of TGI Learn from four parents of children with complex communication needs, who share their success stories with TGI and describe their children’s current communication methods and abilities PRACTICAL MATERIALS: Easily implement the PoWRRS-Connect protocol in families’ daily routines with the downloads available online, including handouts for caregivers (available in English and Spanish), a communication checklist for assessment, and 19 brief demonstration videos.

How can you help preschoolers with autism thrive in inclusive classrooms? Support their success with this comprehensive, school-based program for children ages 3 to 5 with autism spectrum disorder. Blending best practices from applied behavior analysis and early childhood special education, the DATA Model is a proven program rooted in evidence-based practice and based on 20 years of testing and refinement. First, you'll assess children's functional needs with the DATA Model Skills Checklist; then you'll use more than 140 instructional programming sheets and lesson plans to increase children's developmental progress in the areas identified with the checklist. This linked system helps you pinpoint learning goals for children, promote their progress through tailored interventions, and support children in generalizing new skills and behaviors across settings. A must for autism and behavior specialists, SLPs, program directors, and early childhood special educators, the DATA Model is the all-in-one program you need to prepare young children with autism for long-term success at school and in their community. USE THE DATA MODEL TO: * create a developmentally appropriate learning environment * conduct assessment with the Skills Checklist to determine functional needs and learning goals * write clear, step-by-step instructional programs and lesson plans for every learning goal * select and deliver instructional strategies that fit the unique needs of each specific child * choose and use effective instructional tools such as discrete trials, naturalistic instruction, shaping, and chaining * embed learning opportunities within classroom activities and routines * address challenging behavior while increasing children's ability to communicate their needs * expertly organize children's assessments, programs, and other information for easy access * collaborate with families and the community to meet the needs of each child * monitor progress with the Skills Checklist, so you can clearly see if your interventions are working PRACTICAL MATERIALS: Skills Checklist, 140 instructional programming sheets and lesson plans, sample schedules, daily data collection sheets, Family Interview Survey, and more. All materials are photocopiable from the manual.