Primary Prevention of Developmental Retardation During Infancy

This review examines eighteen exemplary prevention-oriented early intervention programs designed for high-risk and normal infants. The target populations, the form of the program delivery, and the content of the curriculum are described. Issues in the design and methodology of such programs are discussed. The review also summarizes continuing and delayed effects of early intervention programs with an emphasis on those projects that had a follow-up evaluation phase. Finally, three theoretical perspectives are presented. These perspectives have important implications for infant program planning and evaluation from which recommendations are made for future programs designed for high-risk infants.