Why is Family-Centered Early Intervention Important Anyways?

 Frances Bonagura

             May 7, 2020

Why is Family-Centered Early Intervention Important?

The pride and joy of when your child comes into this world is one that is beyond words. Many times you are given a precious gift that requires extra attention to help them with their developmental milestones. It may be overwhelming to see your child show delays in communication, physical development, adaptive behavior (feeding, dressing, toileting, etc.), cognition, or social and emotional development.  However, with Family-Centered Interventions, we will help your family and your child with strategies that will reduce the impact on your lives with your child's disability.  There are many services you are eligible for and a team of professionals ready to assist your family in determining how together we will meet those challenges, keeping you and your family at the forefront of what is the most practical. The earlier we start, the more prepared your precious child will be in their future. 

What is Family-Centered Early Intervention?

Family-Centered Early Intervention is a plan that assesses what services your baby should receive, and with your family's input, spell out the goals you hope to see your child achieve. Family-centered services acknowledge the importance of sensitivity to the culture and values of the individual family members, to respect the family’s ecology, and to focus on family outcomes in addition to the child outcomes (NECTAC, 2012).  The focus is on your family to work together with a case manager to determine the best services that will help your baby and your family.  

The Purpose of an Individualized Family Service Plan

So what exactly is the purpose of an Individualized Family Service Plan?  Well, this is a service that is provided by law to families with children to obtain specialized services.  The objective is so that your baby or toddler gets help with their development based on their unique needs until age three. However, it is more than that. It seriously takes into consideration the family needs as well.  Parents play a vital role in this plan.  With your observations, your goals, and activities that will be recommended, your collaboration with the specialist is essential in ensuring your child's success.

Seven Key Principles of Family-Centered Services

The National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (NECTAC) identified seven key principles of family-centered services. They are as follows:

·         Infants and toddlers learn best through everyday experiences and interactions with familiar people in familiar contexts.

·         All families, with the necessary supports and resources, can enhance their children’s learning and development.

·         The primary role of an early intervention service provider is to work with and support the family members and caregivers in children’s lives.

·         The early intervention process, from initial contacts through transition out of early intervention services, must be dynamic and individualized to reflect the child’s and family members’ preferences, learning styles, and cultural beliefs.

·         IFSP outcomes must be functional and based on children’s and families’ needs and family-identified priorities.

·         A primary provider, who represents and receives team and community support, is the most appropriate person for addressing the family’s priorities, needs, and interests.

·         Interventions for young children and family members must be based on explicit principles, validated practices, best available research, and relevant laws and regulation (Howard, Williams, Miller, Aiken (2014).

These seven key principles support a family-centered approach to the early intervention by providing their focus on the family's ability to participate in their child's plan.  It is family driven to provide the least stress to families with any hardships, and no judgment.  The team is there to work with you for the best outcome for your child.  

Why I Think Family-Centered Early Intervention Matters

So, why does family-centered intervention matter? Well, it matters because the focus is on the family as a unit.  Not just your child, but you too, can become an empowered advocate in your children's care.  Through activities that seem like play to your child, you will see the results first hand of the power of early intervention. There are also many resources you may not be aware of that can assist your family.  With the collaboration of a tailored team of specialists, together we want to help you improve your quality of life and ensure a better future for your child.

Conclusion

Well, hopefully, I have convinced you of the importance of a Family-Centered Intervention.  These plans help your family engage in activities that will help your child master his strengths while developing their weaknesses.  The program supports you with information and strategies that in the best interest of your child, considering your family's priorities.  You will always have rights as parents to discuss which strategies or approaches are suitable for your family and child.  Together, the team wants to celebrate those milestones your child will achieve and support you every step of the way.  Remember, you are not alone. Remember the saying, “it takes a village to raise a child?” With a plan, your baby or toddler will be on their way to become successful young adults. 

References

Addison, S. Ayankoya, B. Bruder, M. Et al. Seven Key Principles:Looks Like/Doesn’t Look      Like retrieved from https://ectacenter.org/~pdfs/topics/families/Principles_LooksLike_DoesntLookLike3_11_08.pdf

Howard, V., Williams, B., Miller, D., & Aiken, E. (2014). Very young children with special needs: A  foundation for educators, families, and service providers (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

 Key Principles Underlying the IEP Process: Supporting Family Participation, Inclusive Practices and Positive Outcomes for Preschool Children With Disabilities. (n.d.). Retrieved May 7, 2020, from https://fpg.unc.edu/resources/key-principles-underlying-iep-process-supporting-family-participation-inclusive-practices-

NECTAC Workgroup on Principles and Practices for the IEP Process. (2012, May). Key principles underlying the IEP Process: Supporting family participation, inclusive practices and positive outcomes for preschool children with disabilities. Retrieved from http://nectac.org/~pdfs/knowledgepath/ifspoutcomes-iepgoals/Key_Principles_IEP_Process.pdf