The Developmental School Psychologist

Roles of the contemporary school psychologist include assessment, program planning, family consultation, intervention, and program evaluation. These roles take on new meaning and imperatives when applied to infant, toddler, and preschool circumstances. New legislation, incentives, programs, and assessment-treatment potentialities make the subspecialty of developmental school psychology a keystone in the interdisciplinary team committed to the identification and treatment of special needs youngsters and their families. This article offers a rationale, tentative definition, attributes, and role functions of the emerging profession. Finally, issues and trends in practice are summarized.