Considerations in the Personnel Preparation of Itinerant Early Childhood Special Education Consultants

Based on changes in the delivery of early childhood special education (ECSE) services, an argument is made for including content related to the purposes and models of consultation as well as collaborative process skills in personnel preparation programs for early childhood special educators. The content of current personnel preparation programs for early childhood special educators is described and suggestions for additional content to develop skills necessary to support young children with disabilities in inclusive settings are offered. Finally, questions are identified that will inform the development of personnel preparation programs to address the skills needed by itinerant ECSE consultants.