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 …
Coaching: It’s About More than Just Asking Questions!
Posted on October 30, 2014
by
Dana Childress, PhD
in Adult Learning, All, Coaching Practices, Engaging Families, Intervention Visits, Practical Strategies, Service Coordination, Teamwork
Jesse Won’t Sit in the Shopping Cart!
Posted on August 19, 2014
by
Dana Childress, PhD
in All, Coaching Practices, Intervention Visits, Practical Strategies
“Jesse keeps standing up in the shopping cart. He won’t hold my hand in the parking lot either. How can I keep him safe?”
Jesse’s mom is desperate for advice. She’s struggling because, with Jesse’s developmental delays, he’s not yet understanding simple instructions very well. He also has a toddler’s typical strong will. If you were Jesse’s service …
Is Bath Time a Good Time for Intervention?
Posted on August 05, 2014
by
Dana Childress, PhD
in All, Engaging Families, Intervention Visits, Practical Strategies
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 …
Will Mason Ever Walk?
Posted on July 24, 2014
by
Dana Childress, PhD
in All, Engaging Families, Intervention Visits, Practical Strategies
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 …
Adult Learning Principle #1: Making Intervention Immediately Relevant
Posted on July 08, 2014
by
Dana Childress, PhD
in Adult Learning, All, Bridging the Gap, Coaching Practices, Engaging Families, Intervention Visits, Practical Strategies
We could call this one the “what’s in it for me?” principle. We know how we are…as adults, we usually pay attention to information that is most relevant to our current situation. We tend to remember information that is most immediately useful, skills that get our needs met, and strategies that we can practice right …
She Answers the Door in Nothing but a Nightie…What Do You Do?
Posted on June 24, 2014
by
Dana Childress, PhD
in All, Intervention Visits, Practical Strategies, What Would You Do?
After knocking three times, you hear someone inside the apartment. You wait a bit, trying to decide whether to knock again. Jessa’s mother hollers that’s she’s coming, then a few seconds later she opens the door. She’s tells you to come on in but you hesitate.
Jessa’s mother is wearing a see-through nightie and nothing else.
What do …
Books & Puzzles Are Not Required…What?
Posted on June 17, 2014
by
Dana Childress, PhD
in All, Engaging Families, Intervention Visits, Practical Strategies
Okay, be honest. Have you ever:
recommended that a family go buy books;
explained the importance of sorting colored teddy bears into matching bowls; or
listed “placing shapes in a 3-piece form puzzle” as an outcome on the IFSP.
If you answered yes to any of these, well, then you’re in the same boat as me …
Getting Through the Summer Slump: 5 Perks of Working in EI
Posted on June 10, 2014
by
Dana Childress, PhD
in All, Celebrating Early Intervention, Intervention Visits
This is the time of year when I can get in a slump. I’ve always loved my jobs in early intervention, but it’s just about now when I get a little jealous of teachers who work in the school system and their countdown til summer break. When I was in grad school eons ago, that …
Are Cultural Differences Truly Developmental Delays?
Posted on May 27, 2014
by
Dana Childress, PhD
in All, Engaging Families, Intervention Visits, Practical Strategies
Miguel is 19 months old and lives with a large family that includes his parents, three older siblings, an aunt, and his grandparents. He qualified for early intervention due to delays in gross motor development and low muscle tone. He’s also showing some slight delays in his expressive communication. During his assessment and subsequent intervention …
Look Out! – Helping Toddlers Move Beyond Throwing
Posted on May 20, 2014
by
Dana Childress, PhD
in All, Engaging Families, Intervention Visits, Practical Strategies
Tyler is 20 months old and instead of playing with his toys or using his spoon to feed himself, he quickly throws them as soon as he picks them up. Tyler’s parents tell you that it’s really hard to manage during playdates or when they go out to eat. Tyler also rarely stays still to …
