Early Intervention

An analysis of the amount and type of training of primary intervention agents in early intervention programs was conducted as part of a review of literature on the efficacy of early intervention with disadvantaged, at-risk, and handicapped preschoolers. Results indicated that intervenors who were certified were significantly more effective than those who were not certified. However, what is meant by "certification" and other critical characteristics of the intervenors is many times unclear in the research literature. Suggestions are offered for the study of characteristics and training of intervenors that produce effective child gains.