Development of a Routines-Based Early Childhood Intervention model

Abstract

The Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) literature recommends that intervention is embedded within everyday routines that occur in the natural environment. However, little research has examined the implementation of routines-based models of ECI. The aim of this paper was to describe the development of a Routines-Based Early Childhood Intervention (RBECI) model. The RBECI model consists of four key components: a) RoutinesBased Interviews (RBIs); b) participation-based goals; c) home visits; and d) community consultations. Empirical evidence supporting each component of the model is provided, and results from a preliminary evaluation of the implementation of the model are discussed. Further research is required evaluating processes involved in the implementation of the model by ECI professionals and its impact on children and families.Keywords: early childhood intervention; routines-based intervention; evidence-based strategies. RESUMOA literatura recomenda que a Intervenção Precoce na Infância (IPI) seja inserida dentro das rotinas diárias que ocorrem no ambiente natural. No entanto, poucas pesquisas examinaram a implementação de modelos de IPI

Early intervention specialized services: eligibility and multiprofessional work

“…According to the criterion established by the guidelines from the Ministry of Health, which point to prioritizing the care offered to children from birth until three years old, only one of the institutions did not meet the requirements yet. On the other hand, some institutions had extended their care to the five-year-old children, as they were sensitive to the need of continuing the offer of these services during this period, in agreement with what is indicated in literature and by international legislation 14 , going beyond that which is advocated in the national guidelines 12,13 .…”

“…Another positive aspect of the teams is the transdisciplinary model. The transdisciplinary practice is characterized as being more complete in EI services, as it includes the family, making the process more functional along with professionals of different areas 14 . Nevertheless, there is a contradiction in understanding this model, for 50% of the institutions claimed they adhered to it, while only 30% of them reported the family's participation in the whole care process together with the child.…”

“…Hughes-Scholes and Gavidia-Payne 14 indicated that the implementation of routine-based intervention models is essential to improve the behavioral functioning of children with development delay. They also highlighted the importance of family interaction and the performance of tasks at home, as it increases the children's involvement, independence and social relations, as well as the families' satisfaction with daily routines.…”

“…The importance of offering early intervention services has been calling the attention of several researchers in the field of child development [14][15][16][17] . The authors pointed to the relevance of early diagnosis and intervention, creating the possibility of intervening in advance in development processes that haven't yet been established, which will influence this person's development up until adult life, due to genetic and organic factors (neuroplasticity).…”

“…As for the transdisciplinary, indicated by the authors as the best option for EI services, is characterized by the fact that the professionals develop the intervention plan together with the family, focusing on the child's and the family's needs and functioning. Such intervention is carried out by all professionals involved, as well as by the family, recalling the concept of the importance of the family participating in the EI 14 .…”