Early childhood intervention programs in the US: recent advances and future recommendations.

Recent scientific reviews, long term outcome studies, and effectiveness trials of early childhood intervention programs in the US have important lessons for the future of these interventions in the US and internationally. Programs should (1) employ more center-based or mixed center-based and home visiting models, (2) monitor standards of quality, (3) become more family focused and culturally competent, and (4) broaden the focus of their evaluations. If these recommendations are followed then we will be in a better position to get the best return on our investments in early childhood.