Statewide Intervention Systems: An Overview of the New Federal Program for Infants and Toddlers with Handicaps

Public Law 99–457 amended Public Law 94–142 to add Part H, a discretionary formula grant program for infants and toddlers with handicaps. The legislation allows implementation of statewide systems of early intervention services, characterized by 14 required components. This paper presents the results of analyses obtained through review of applications for the Part H program submitted by 50 states and the District of Columbia. Two primary measures were investigated to determine potential differences among states on the basis of type of lead agency and previous activities related to early intervention for infants and toddlers. The first was the number and type of required components selected for emphasis during initial year activities. The second was the allocation of funds for administration, interagency coordinating council, planning, and services. In general, states demonstrated relative consistency across a number of factors while significant differences and variability were noted on others. These results are discussed in terms of implications for the development of quality services for infants and toddlers and their families and of priority needs to ensure successful implementation of this program.