Thanks for the great questions, Albert! In early intervention, I find that direct interpretation of what the parent and therapist say – to each other and to the child – is most effective. That way, the therapist and parent can have a conversation and build a relationship. If you have to explain something or provide additional context, let the therapist know. Ideally, the therapist should be working with the parent too, supporting the parent in engaging her child, rather than just working with the child the whole session. In that case, you would interpret back and forth between the parent and therapist. If one or the other speaks directly to the child, you would interpret that too. It’s always a good idea to speak with the therapist before the assessment or first session to talk about how you will work together. Yes, someone on the EI team should find out about the family’s primary language before the assessment. We are required to make every effort to provide services in a child’s/family’s native language, which helps us determine the need for an interpreter and which language will be used. I believe that you should be present for all steps in the process – evaluation and intervention visits. The child and family will need to warm up to all team members, and you are an important part of the team. Follow the therapist’s lead and remember that you are an important facilitator of communication. If a child is shy, it really is the therapist’s job to help him warm up and work with the parent. Sometimes, we take the time to ask the parents questions (history, background, developmental) at the beginning to take the pressure off of the child and allow him to get used to the new people in the room. It is fine if the child is present. The therapist may try to engage the child in play to help him get comfortable. I’d encourage you to stay in the room, sit by the parent, and make sure that communication flows. Honestly, the need for interpretation can make the process take longer, but that’s necessary to make sure the parent is fully informed and all team members, including the family, are able to participate. Here’s a link to a great video about working with interpreters in home visiting programs. I hope it’s helpful!
https://youtu.be/vp01thQBbeY

Should interaction between children and therapist be interrupt by interpreter trying to render the message to children’s parent?
When children and therapist (evaluator) interact, should I (as an interpreter) interpret what is being said to the parent, so she/he knows what their kids is being asked?
When children and therapist interact should I interpret for the children the questions being asked by the therapist.
Should therapist evaluate language barriers on the children before getting early childhood screening, meaning which language does the kids is more proficient on and what language should I use when giving him instructions for the test. So, the therapist have an idea if the interpreting services are needed during the evaluation where interpreter has to render the oral input/message to the kid or to the therapist?
If interpreter in needed during the evaluation process, interaction between therapist and children, will that affect the results of the test if children get nervous, shy, no willing to participate because of the presence of the interpreter.
Should I wait for the therapist to give me instructions to when interpret important questions for children?
What if the children feel uncomfortable and no being participant during the evaluation or acting shy because of the presence of the interpreter and interpretation in different languages, how should interpreter participate/act to avoid or these issues?
When asking background questions, family questions, health history to the children’s parents, should the children being evaluated be present at the moment of the questionnaire, even though questions my make parties feel uncomfortable.
During the evaluation procedure or therapist children interaction, should interpreter be outside of the room and wait until further instruction from the therapist. Should interpreter only be needed during parent and therapist interaction, evaluation’s results, screening overview, parents’ questions and answers with the therapist so in that way we release/eliminate pressure, anxiety on the children being evaluated.
I do thank you so much for taking your time reading these questions and giving me some tips.

I think finding a position as a translator probably depends on where you are located. I would recommend checking with your local early intervention program or public school system to see if they have openings or can direct you to a resource. Good luck!

I think that’s something to talk about when laying the ground rules before the visit, don’t you think Maureen? I would bet that it would be challenging for the interpreter to stay in the role of interpreter for you when he/she knows of resources the family might need. That’s a real challenge.