On the efficacy of early intervention programs

This article summarizes some of the recent literature on early intervention programs and their short and long-term results. The trend away from programs that focus primarily on cognitive approaches toward more comprehensive services to children and families is considered a step forward. Similarly, the use of broad measures of adaptation and social competence for measuring program effectiveness rather than cross-sectional IQ outcomes appears to be a sound approach. Evaluations of Headstart, The Perry Preschool Program, and the Yale Child Welfare Program are cited as illustrations.