Early childhood intervention in Turkey: Current situation, challenges and suggestions

Abstract

The regular early childhood education in Turkey has a history of more than 100 years. However, early childhood intervention services for young children with special needs (vulnerabilities) and their families are getting more attention in recent years. This article aims to briefly overview current early childhood intervention (ECI) services in Turkey. The article at first summarizes regular early childhood education in Turkey. Then, profile of disability groups, ECI legal arrangements and practices, and ECI profession are being addressed and discussed. Finally, suggestions for ECI in Turkey are being made.