Rethinking family-guided practices in early intervention evaluation: A pilot study

Abstract

Family-guided practices during intervention are prevalent in the United States for children from birth to age three and supported by legislation, but as norm-referenced scores for children are used for service eligibility family-guided evaluation practices have not kept pace. Objective: This pilot study examined familial and practitioner perceptions of evaluation methods focusing on the familys needs as much as the childs need. Method: Family survey and practitioner interview methods were used. Results: Results from nine families who completed the survey showed that the families had highly positive perceptions of the new evaluation methods that addressed their priorities, the important people and routines in their life, and their own role as a team member. Practitioners reported the family centred focus helped build rapport with families earlier in the process and identified the familys greatest concerns. Discussion: Findings support previous new recommendations to use family-guided tools as a primary method for determining need, setting goals, and monitoring outcomes for young children.