Are We Maximizing the Role of Caregivers’ Support Networks in Early Intervention?

Abstract

Part C Early Intervention is intended to build capacity among caregivers of infants and toddlers with special needs to use tailored strategies in natural environments. Satisfaction and perceived strategy use, however, remain unclear. In a Northeastern home-based program, caregivers ( n = 195; 33% response) and providers ( n = 66; 33% response) answered questions on strategy use, whether others are asked to use strategies, and perceived compliance. A subset of providers participated in a focus group. Most providers were “somewhat confident” caregivers use recommended strategies. Half of providers consistently encouraged caregivers to ask others to use strategies, with this linked to familiarity with ecological systems theory. Despite 86.2% of caregivers asking one or more person to use strategies, there was little confidence in compliance. Findings and implications are discussed, including revisiting coaching practices, exploring variability in support networks, and promoting strategy use across key partners.

Support Networks and Family Empowerment in Early Intervention

“…These results are partially in line with those found by Edwards [ 21 ] in a USA survey, in which over 80% of the families identified informal caregivers (parents and friends) as the main support network, followed by intermediate supports (groups of parents), and last, formal support networks of professionals. The study of Más, Giné, and McWilliam [ 13 ], with Spanish families attending services with a family-centered approach, also identified the extended family as the main source of emotional support, especially the grandparents of the child.…”

“…[ 7 , 15 ]. In a study conducted in the USA by Edwards [ 21 ], over 80% of the participating families identified, as their main supports, informal caregivers, such as grandparents and friends, followed by intermediate supports, such as groups of parents of other children, and last, formal supports provided by professionals. Moreover, in the study conducted by Más, Giné, and McWilliam [ 13 ], Spanish families identified the extended family, particularly grandparents, as the main source of emotional support.…”

Support networks among immigrant parents of young children: Assessing ecologies to inform outreach efforts

“…Needs assessments may enhance family, school, and community partnerships by considering the make‐up of and support from informal and formal networks (Bronfenbrenner, 2001; Dunst, 2000; Trivette et al, 2010). Beyond asking which key partners are present, we must look at the quality of connections (Edwards, 2020; Edwards & Denham, 2018). This information can pinpoint strengths, potentially problematic relationships, and/or gaps we need to better address with devised or existing options across local communities.…”

“…Needs assessments may enhance family, school, and community partnerships by considering the make-up of and support from informal and formal networks (Bronfenbrenner, 2001;Dunst, 2000;Trivette et al, 2010). Beyond asking which key partners are present, we must look at the quality of connections (Edwards, 2020;Edwards & Denham, 2018). Stronger ties within one's own ethnic community can serve as a protective factor for healthy parenting practices and emotional health (Williams et al, 2017;Yakushko, 2010).…”

“…Beyond enhancing parents' repertoires and funds of knowledge, most young children, regardless of socio‐economic status, spend time in nonparental care (Meyers et al, 2004). We must therefore consider which key partners are accessible to and supportive of diverse family units (Carpenter, 1997; Edwards, 2020).…”