There are many “rules to live by” when developing IFSP outcomes, and some of these rules vary from state to state. In Virginia, our IFSP includes both long-term outcomes and short-term goals; in other states, only long-term outcomes are included. When you have to write both, it can be tricky to make sure that outcomes and …
3 “Rules to Live By” When Writing IFSP Outcomes & Goals
Don’t Let the “What Ifs…” Keep You From Using Routines-Based Practices!
We’re really good, in early intervention, at the “what ifs…” – especially when it comes to adopting new practices. When a practice feels unfamiliar or even contrary to how we were trained, it’s so easy to jump to the “what ifs” and feel like there are many reasons not to use the new information. Often, though …
Names are Important: Please Don’t Call Me “Mom”
The educator knocks and Malik’s mother answers the door. They introduce themselves then move out to the backyard where Malik and his sister are playing in the sandbox. The educator sits down and says “So, Mom, is this one of Malik’s favorite things to do?”
Wait…did you notice anything wrong with this picture?
Using Parent’s Proper Names …
EI Research to Practice Brief #2: Linking Parents’ Verbal Behaviors with Children’s Communication Development
The practice of early intervention (EI) is always evolving and changing as new evidence comes to light about how to support children and families. This brief summarizes a research study that examined the behaviors of caregivers of young children with autism that were associated with higher levels of joint attention and language in children. It is …
What’s your Best Strategy for…Teaching Cause & Effect?
I’m starting a new series to try to gather YOUR best strategies for supporting children and families! I’ll share a few of my favorites, and I invite you to post your best strategy or a story of when you helped a child learn this activity or milestone. I have a few ideas up my sleeve, but …
Partnering with Families When They Don’t Want You There
Maybe the family was referred to your program by the court system. Maybe the mother made the referral because a grandparent was pressuring her. Maybe the doctor made the referral even though the father wasn’t really interested.
Whatever the reason, there are some families who enroll in early intervention but who really don’t want to be there. Accepting early intervention …
It’s Saturday and You See Derick’s Family at the Mall…What Do You Do?
You know the feeling…you see a family you support at the mall or Wal-Mart. It happens on the weekend or in the evening outside of an intervention visit. In those few seconds before they see you, you have to decide what to do. Do you go over and say “hi” or do you wait to see …
How Do You Share Assessment Results with Families?
Imagine that you are the parent sitting on the floor watching several people who you don’t know interact with your child. At some point, the time comes to find out what they think about your child’s development. This is an anxiety-producing moment, no matter how sure you are of what’s going on with your child.
Now …
Being Playful vs Playing with Toys…What’s the Difference?
Pick a visit, any visit. Walk in the door and…what are you most likely to see? What’s the most common activity to occur on a visit?
Well, the title of this post surely gave it away, but you are very likely to see the provider and child playing with toys. Why? Why do we still find ourselves sitting on …
Baby Massage: Essential Tool for Practitioners – Part II
Baby Massage Instruction
My last article discussed some of the many benefits of baby massage and how practitioners could use it to improve functional skills in babies, educate parents, and enhance our overall practice. In this article I provide an overview of some baby massage strokes. I would like to reiterate the importance of demonstrating the …