Strengths and Challenges of Service Coordination in Eight States

Abstract

A survey was distributed in 8 states to learn about perceived strengths and challenges of service coordination from those working in early intervention (EI) programs under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Survey responses from 769 service coordinators and other EI personnel in 8 states provide an overview of state systems and the implementation of service coordination activities within these state EI systems. Respondents suggested that service coordinators experience the following needs: (1) balancing the workload by reducing the number of families served per service coordinator and decreasing the amount of paperwork; (2) improved compensation and funding; and (3) better and more frequent training opportunities. Findings from this survey were analyzed and used by representatives from participating states to determine state and national action plans for improving the professional development and identity of service coordinators, with the goal of prioritizing support for this important part of the early childhood intervention workforce.

Professional Preparation, Growth, and Recognition in the Service Coordination Workforce

“…Respondents reported being highly motivated by opportunities to earn a bonus, tuition reimbursement, award/acknowledgment for quality performance, and having opportunities to vary their level of responsibility and workload with compensation to match the workload. These findings are consistent with the trends identified by Childress et al (2019), as service coordinators across eight states identified the need for a more balanced workload, increased compensation, and a desire to elevate the professional value and respect of SC. Unfortunately, respondents noted that these motivators were not readily available on a consistent basis across regions of the state.…”

“…Finally, these findings further support the need for ongoing professional development activities that are specific to SC activities, which is also a trend identified by Childress et al (2019) as the need for increased training and networking opportunities specifically related to SC was reported. Based on data from a 2005 study by Bruder and Dunst of more than 400 personnel preparation programs, EC special education, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech–language pathology, and multidisciplinary personnel preparation programs have a minimal focus on SC and teaming practices in EI, and EI-specific content is not consistently embedded in these preparation programs.…”

“…Therefore, service coordinators enter their professional role with unique interests, career pathways, and talents, and much of what they need to learn to carry out their role and responsibilities must be supported through professional development. This is further validated by service coordinators across eight states who voiced the need for more training and networking opportunities specifically related to SC (Childress, Nichols, & Schnurr, 2019). Because more frequent provision of evidence-based, capacity-building professional development is more likely to be associated with more frequent use of different kinds of early childhood (EC) intervention practices (Dunst et al, 2020), it is imperative to understand the professional development needs of service coordinators.…”

Evaluation of peer‐mediated systems navigation for ageing families of individuals with developmental disabilities

“…After participating in the study, there was an increase in use of service coordination coupled with decrease in the need for service coordination, which is a formal support that assists caregivers and families in arranging care for their loved ones with I/DD. When service coordination is family-centred, research has shown that families exhibit decreased need for resources over time (Bruder & Dunst 2008;Childress et al 2019). This finding was corroborated by the current study.…”

“…When service coordination is family‐centred, research has shown that families exhibit decreased need for resources over time (Bruder & Dunst 2008; Childress et al . 2019). This finding was corroborated by the current study.…”