Deconstructing the genealogy of family-centredness in early childhood intervention using a poststructuralist lens /Deconstrucción de la genealogía del enfoque centrado en la familia en las intervenciones de atención temprana, desde un punto de vista post-estructuralista

Abstract

This paper aims to examine the genealogy of family-centredness in early childhood intervention. In particular, it deconstructs the procedural requirements, such as the completion of the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), which has operated to serve the notion of family-centredness. Employing a poststructuralist lens, the paper contends that the current knowledge/belief is constructed and institutionalized by the dominant groups, such as policymakers and professionals, and their discourse. Families are normalized with discursive practices to believe that their participation perfects the rules set by powered social institutions with knowledge and power; hence, they are at the centre in the practice of services and provisions. Blinded by the normalized discipline, the historically absented position of families in the construction of social structures has perpetuated through the existing practices. Thus, this paper offers a critical reflection on the understanding of multiple discourses. In particular, both service providers and families should be able to question the process of service provisioning, when necessary. By critically viewing the current case, the development of quality early childhood intervention programmes and family-centred practices might be purported across countries.

Early Childhood Care in Spain before the Lockdown

“…The next (sub) dimension is observed and demanded needs; families are satisfied with professionals in the initial stages [26], but this decreases over time. Professionals and families have different perceptions of needs [27,28], prioritising information received, material help, rest and human resources, participation in decisions, and social and family support. According to Lee [24], families need to question their rights as beneficiaries, and professionals need to look at what needs families have rather than accepting the current, overly institutionalised actions.…”