Educating Drug Exposed Children

This is the first book to use teachers' experiences to understand how prenatal drug exposure affects children's' development , and how social construction of the problem influences perceptions within schools.

This report presents findings of an inquiry into the educational needs of children prenatally exposed to drugs and covers: (1) the extent of the problem, (2) negative effects of prenatal drug exposure on a child's educational potential, (3) typical behaviors and learning deficits of such children, and (4) characteristics of successful early childhood programs for this population. The report also contains profiles of eight programs specifically designed to educate children prenatally exposed to drugs or experiencing psychosocial traumas. Programs are located in the District of Columbia, Los Angeles (California), St. Petersburg (Florida), Tampa (Florida), New York City, Chicago (Illinois) and Palo Alto (California). Highlights of the review of the four study questions include: the number of children prenatally exposed to illicit drugs is increasing; the prevalent use of alcohol and cigarettes poses a greater prenatal threat to a larger number of babies than does any illicit drug; 30-40 percent of prenatally drug exposed children display developmental delays in the absence of effective early intervention; there is no profile of behavior and learning typical of drug-exposed children; educators should focus on identifying and addressing the problem behaviors, not on the causes; and successful programs use developmentally appropriate practice standards and not new instructional methodology especially for drug-exposed children. Recommendations, a list of 32 programmatic or organizational resources, and a glossary complete the report. (Contains approximately 132 references.) (DB)

Practical research-based strategies to help children reach their full potential. Designed for teachers, parents, physicians, psychologists - anyone who works with children. This book is based on longitudinal research of prenatally exposed children, some of whom may display a wide array of behavioral, learning & emotional problems. Through a clear, practical approach, it presents behavioral management techniques that can help prevent problems in the classroom as well as manage specific problem situations. Chapters include: Research Basis of Intervention Strategies; Managing Behavior: The Effective Classroom; & Toward One on One: Individual Behavior Interventions. The methods presented are appropriate to any learning situation, at school or at home & for any child, not only the prenatally exposed child. An indispensable resource for anyone who works with children & an exceptionally useful text for educators & parents. "There is no child who cannot learn." This book is based on a commitment to that conviction. Paper, ISBN 1-879176-29-7, US $29.95, 214 pp., index, June 1998. Order from Imprint Publications, Inc., 230 East Ohio St., Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60611. 312-337-9268, FAX: 312-337-9622, e-mail: [email protected], add $5.00 for single copy shipping; credit cards accepted. www.imprint-chicago.com

This is the first book to use teachers' experiences to understand how prenatal drug exposure affects children's' development , and how social construction of the problem influences perceptions within schools.

A Congressional hearing was held to focus on problems faced by schools due to students who have been exposed to drugs, and ways the federal government can help teachers and administrators ameliorate the crisis of student exposure to drugs. The topics discussed included teachers' difficulties in dealing with the increasing number of drug-exposed children; prenatal and perinatal drug exposure; the role of special education in dealing with drug-exposed children; children exposed to crack; the need for a government initiative consisting of treatment and education; research and experience that indicates that drug-exposed children can be taught; early intervention programs sponsored by the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services of the Department of Education; and programs to train teachers to deal with drug-exposed students. Testimony and prepared statements were presented by three committee members and nine individuals representing various organizations, institutions, or municipalities with an interest in the topic of children's exposure to drugs. (BC)

A Congressional hearing was held to focus on problems faced by schools due to students who have been exposed to drugs, and ways the federal government can help teachers and administrators ameliorate the crisis of student exposure to drugs. The topics discussed included teachers' difficulties in dealing with the increasing number of drug-exposed children; prenatal and perinatal drug exposure; the role of special education in dealing with drug-exposed children; children exposed to crack; the need for a government initiative consisting of treatment and education; research and experience that indicates that drug-exposed children can be taught; early intervention programs sponsored by the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services of the Department of Education; and programs to train teachers to deal with drug-exposed students. Testimony and prepared statements were presented by three committee members and nine individuals representing various organizations, institutions, or municipalities with an interest in the topic of children's exposure to drugs. (BC)