This report presents one of the targeted projects developed in 2004 by the Centre for Early Childhood Education and Development (CECDE), and the Department for Education and Science (DES), closely in keeping with their objective to generate interventions on a pilot basis for children under six with special needs. The research project Synergy discussed here consisted of a nine-month qualitative and quantitative exploration of quality early intervention for children with special needs in diverse rural settings in North Tipperary. The research tender was taken up by the Health Services Executive (HSE) - West, and guided by a steering committee representing the CECDE, Project Manager HSE - West, the Administrator of the North Tipperary Early Intervention (NTEI) services, the National Council for Special Education and the North Tipperary County Childcare Committee. (author abstract)