home visits Archives - Page 7 of 17 - Early Intervention Strategies for Success

Ben is joining Marissa and her mother during breakfast because Mrs. Smith asked for support with helping Marissa communicate at meals. At first, Ben just observes and chats with Mrs. Smith. He asks her what her goals are for Marissa during breakfast. She says that she really wants Marissa to say or sign “please” and “thank …

Preemie Pop Quiz
Do you know the stats on prematurity? Take this pop quiz to see what you know and keep reading for answer and tips you can use when supporting preemies and their families!

1. A premature birth is one that occurs before ___ weeks gestation.

2. Approximately how many children are born premature each year?

3. When do …

A set of new referrals comes across your desk: two children in the same family. Twins! Wow, you think…twice the paperwork, twice the visits, twice the fun. The funny thing is that you probably wouldn’t have balked if you’d just gotten two referrals about children from different families. Why is it that multiples in the same …

Jackie receives a call from Tate’s mother, Mrs. Comer. Mrs. Comer is really frustrated because she feels like she’s not benefiting from her visits with the physical therapist. She tells Jackie that she feels like all Alex (the PT) does is ask her questions. She says “I don’t want to just be asked questions that …

I’m so excited to spread the word about our latest video featuring service providers, administrators, and families talking about early intervention! Specifically, the video answers the following 3 questions: What is early intervention? What does it look like? and Why does it work?

In addition to short interviews, the video includes photos and video clips of …

“Come look at his knees,” a concerned parent asked me.

The toddler climbed off the couch and ran, no, barreled towards me.

“Look! When he stands, his knees are touching! What’s wrong with his legs?”

“He’s 2-years-old, right?” I asked.

“Yes,” said the mom.

“Nothing, this is typical knee alignment for his age. Let me explain…”

Parents are most concerned about …

“Parent info: Chelsea’s mother, Jill, is 15 years old.”

Reading that tiny bit of info on the referral form can spark different reactions from early interventionists, ranging from those who see working with teen parents as a great opportunity to others who just sigh, expecting a huge challenge ahead. Perhaps the best approach to meeting Chelsea’s mom …

Consider bath time for these two families:

Quenton’s bath typically happens right after dinner at about 6:15pm. He has his bath with his older brother each night. Bath time typically lasts a good 30 minutes, time enough for his dad to get both boys washed and then have time to play. Quenton’s father typically plays with the …

Answering this question with a “Sure you can!” makes the answer sound simple, but if you’re a service coordinator you may be finding that using coaching strategies isn’t as easy as you thought. In Virginia, we’ve heard from some service coordinators that coaching is not a good fit with what they do. We’ve heard that …

About 30 min into your first visit with Mason’s family, his father asks “Will he ever walk?” Mason had a stroke shortly after he was born which affected the left side of his body. He is just under two years old and is beginning to sit with very little support. His father is an athlete …

The “Please” and “Thank You” Debate

Preemie Pop Quiz & Tips

Twins & Siblings: Supporting Families of Multiples

Coaching: It’s About More than Just Asking Questions!

NEW VIDEO – What is Early Intervention in Virginia?

Bowlegged? Knock-knees? Oh My! – Knee Alignment in Infancy & Childhood

Supporting Teen Parents by Understanding THEIR Development

Is Bath Time a Good Time for Intervention?

Can Service Coordinators Use Coaching?

Will Mason Ever Walk?

It’s Not Goodbye, It’s See You Later!

Supporting Social and Emotional Development: What ALL Early Interventionists Can Do!

Baskin Robbins: How Do I Decide?

Get the Backstory: Validating and Valuing Family Input

EI Awareness Month in VA – The Power of Family Stories

Resource Alert! – Check Out the New Transition Learning Path

The Unspoken Realities of Child Abuse during a Pandemic

Successfully Engaging Caregivers in the Child Outcomes Summary Process Virtually

Call to Action! Service Coordination and Early Intervention – DEC/ITCA Position Statement