The Effects Of Parent Participation On Child Outcomes In An Early Intervention Program

Abstract

This field study analyzes the effects of parent participation on a child's goals in an Early Intervention Program. Research has been conducted in the past concerning the coaching model, parent participation during sessions, and family developed outcomes. Past research of the coaching model has shown that it is effective; however, it is a fairly new technique that professionals are beginning to familiarize themselves with and that much confusion by Early Intervention professionals still remains concerning coaching techniques (Hemmeter, McLaughlin, & Snyder, 2011). Parents reportedly felt much more empowered and involved in their child's development when outcomes were developed together (Cook, Jones, O'Keefe, & Rodger, 2012). In this study, a qualitative study was performed, involving four families from a Midwestern Early Intervention Program. This study incorporated coaching, parent participation, and family developed outcomes and took a deeper look into the parent's involvement during Early Intervention sessions as well as the role of the Early Interventionist.