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The primary objectives of this program are: 1) to identify the occurrence, temporal ordering, and clustering of learning and behavior problems; 2) to identify the most reliable, valid, and feasible method for early identification and remediation of problems; and 3) to test the efficacy of parent involvement in assessment and testing of prereferral strategies.

Building on an ecological model, this prospective, longitudinal study with multimodal assessments starting in early childhood will account for the child and family variables that contribute to and ameliorate the development of learning and behavior problems. A sample of 125 three-to-four-year-old at-risk children from culturally diverse families will be recruited from a large pediatric practice in Phoenix, Arizona. Parents and children will be administered a battery of tests each year. Because the participants will be from culturally diverse groups, and because the parents will select the strategies, the prereferral interventions will be family-centered and culturally competent. As such, they will be widely generalizable to families across the country.

Plans are included for widespread dissemination of program results and products to professional and parent organizations, including a web page, articles in professional and parent publications, presentations at conferences that serve professionals in the various fields relating to the targeted population.