Early Childhood Intervention: A Promise to Children and Families for Their Future

Abstract

The field of early childhood intervention for infants and young children with disabilities or delays has a rich history that spans many disciplines of practice. Both legislation and research has provided a foundation for how services are delivered to this population, and there are several recommended practices that govern service delivery to this group, the most prominent being family-centered care, team process, and natural and inclusive environments. Unfortunately, the field is facing many challenges because of the growing heterogeneity of children's and families' needs, the increasing complexity and variability of service systems, and dwindling resources available to support an infrastructure. Recommendations to address the future of early childhood intervention include adopting a culture of accountability across all dimensions of service provision, developing and instituting evidence-based practice, implementing comprehensive systems of professional development, and collaborating and merging with the early care and education movement that is growing rapidly across the country.

Development of a Routines-Based Early Childhood Intervention model

“…Unlike traditional one-on-one therapy, embedding intervention within routines encourages the generalisation and maintenance of skills into other activities. (BRUDER, 2010).…”

“…ECI professionals only have limited contact hours with the child, therefore parents or caregivers have the greatest opportunity to enhance their child's development. (BRUDER, 2010). The role of ECI professionals is to work collaboratively with families and use coaching techniques to develop parent's skills, knowledge, competencies and confidence to be able to provide development enhancing learning opportunities.…”

“…One of the benefits of home visits compared to traditional centre-based visits is that the ECI professionals can capitalise on the natural learning environments in the home. (BRUDER, 2010). New intervention strategies learned by the family can be easily implemented into the activity setting where they are intended to be used, rather than transferred back at a later date.…”

“…New intervention strategies learned by the family can be easily implemented into the activity setting where they are intended to be used, rather than transferred back at a later date. (BRUDER, 2010;PETERSON et al, 2007). It is recommended that ECI professionals' use coaching strategies during home visits, such as observing, listening, modelling, reflection, performance feedback, and problem solving, which are designed to enhance positive family and child interactions and learning opportunities.…”

Understanding the Initial Impact of Early Support and Key Working Training Through the Voices of Trainers, Training Participants, and Families

“…These are founded on research and scientific evidence, namely a family-centered orientation based on a collaborative team process, held in inclusive, natural learning environments (Bruder, 2010), embedding "intervention strategies into everyday activities and routines to provide maximum child learning opportunities" (Sawyer, & Campbell, 2012, p.122). Family-centered practices treat families with respect and dignity, offer family members the information they need to make knowledgeable decisions and choices, and actively involve families in accessing resources and support (Dunst, 2002).…”