A First Look at the Characteristics of Children and Families Entering Early Intervention Services. Data Report. National Early Intervention Longitudinal Study (NEILS)

The National Early Intervention Longitudinal Study (NEILS) is being conducted to address important questions related to the implementation and outcomes of Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). NEILS is following a nationally representative sample of children from birth to 3 years old and their families through and after their early intervention experiences. This report presents the first information on children and families available from NEILS, information reported by early intervention professionals about children and families who were enrolling in early intervention for the first time. The report provides data on the gender, race/ethnicity, age at entry and reasons for eligibility of the children. It also presents information about families receiving public assistance and children in foster care who are receiving early intervention. The final section of the report summarizes what has been learned, discusses the significance of the findings, and highlights next steps in the NEILS analysis agenda. Appendix A presents detailed information about the study's methodology. Appendix B contains information on the various disabilities of children found eligible to receive early intervention services. Appendix C contains additional data tables related to the analyses presented in the report. (Contains 18 references.) (Author/SG)