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The purpose of this article is to explore the issues concerning the adaptation of school-based service delivery concepts for use in early childhood special education programs. The use of categorical labels for determining eligibility for preschool children is not required by law—and may be detrimental. The following concerns are discussed: (a) definitional issues in learning disabilities versus low achievement, (b) the dangers of labeling and low expectation sets, (c) repeated failure to demonstrate movement through a continuum of services (particularly to least restrictive environments), and (d) the efficacy of early intervention and school-based special services for those with mild or suspected developmental disabilities. Research is reviewed concerning definitional and assessment issues utilizing learning disabilities as a construct. Alternatives for describing the characteristics of young children who are significantly at risk or developmentally delayed are provided.

Co-editors, Associate Editors, and Cohort Review Team members for Teaching Exceptional Children were asked to nominate qualified individuals to identify seminal articles in the area of behavioral disorders. The nominees identified in this first phase of the study recommended the top 19 classic contributions in behavioral disorders. In the second phase of the study, a self-identified panel of 172 persons in the area of behavioral disorders rank ordered these 19 classic works. Results are discussed in relation to another study that examined seminal contributions in the broader area of special education and in relation to the history of behavioral disorders.