parents Archives - Page 8 of 11 - Early Intervention Strategies for Success

Consider this quote: “When we know the facts about people, we know what they are. When we know their stories, we know who they are.” (John Quincy Adams)

We gather tons of facts in early intervention. We ask exhaustive and often intrusive questions about medical history, resource needs, financial information, priorities for the child’s development, daily routines, etc. …

Here in VA, we are so excited to release our new video series entitled Early Intervention: A Routines-Based Approach! These videos were professionally produced, are less than 7 min each, and are available for FREE on our professional development website or on our YouTube site. I’m going to give you a quick description of each video below. I encourage you …

Transition (noun): The process of change from one form, state, style or place to another.

Summer is quickly drawing to a close and in your community, if it hasn’t already happened, soon a big transition will occur for many families. The new school year will begin with new teachers, new classrooms, and new friends. But what …

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do
So, I’m at the office and I can’t help but overhear a Service Coordinator on the phone with an early intervention provider making the call – you know, the break up call. She tried everything to soften the news – scheduling conflict, goodness of fit, it’s not you, the family thinks …

The quick answer to this questions is – LEAVE. That should be easy but often it is not. Think about this situation:

When you arrived at the family’s apartment, there were a lot of people milling around on the front steps. You weave your way through them and knock on the family’s door. A man who you …

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 …

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 …

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 …

A new family is referred to your program and they bring with them a prescription for therapy. The prescription lists physical therapy 5x/week. The parents request this level of service because that’s what their pediatrician says the child needs. When you explain the difference between a medical model of therapy and the family-centered methods used …

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 …

Listening to the Family’s Story

Three New EI Videos! – Your “Must Watch” for the Day

It’s Almost Time for School!

“It’s Not You, It’s Me” – Navigating The Parent/Provider Breakup

Your Instincts Tell You to Get Out of the Home…What Do You Do?

Don’t Let the “What Ifs…” Keep You From Using Routines-Based Practices!

Names are Important: Please Don’t Call Me “Mom”

EI Research to Practice Brief #2: Linking Parents’ Verbal Behaviors with Children’s Communication Development

Dr. Smith Recommends PT 5x/week…What Do You Do?

It’s Saturday and You See Derick’s Family at the Mall…What Do You Do?

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