PIWI = Parents Interacting with Infants
The Professional Center for Child Development Early Intervention (EI) continues to emphasize the importance of the relationship between caregivers and their children. PCCD EI has been using the Parents Interacting with Infants (PIWI) model.
What is PIWI?
PCCD and the other Early Intervention Programs in Massachusetts are using the PIWI model to support and help facilitate families interacting with their children. Parents and caregivers spend the most amount of time with the child and this model highlights the value of being an active participant in meeting developmental goals.
With the help of EI providers, who have expertise in early childhood growth and development, caregivers are empowered to work together in meeting children’s developmental goals.
How will your EI provider help?
During the home visit parents, children and EI staff will be encouraged to play and learn together. With the EI provider acting as a “coach”, parents are able to practice, learn, ask questions and practice ways of interacting with their child that can be continued in the home.
We strive to ensure that each caregiver and child has the level of support they need. Some families may need guidance about community resources, developmental information and/or strategies to incorporate interactions into daily routines.
How will parents and caregivers continue?
By being an active participant in the EI home visit, caregivers will gain their own expertise and comfort in encouraging and participating in the growth and development of their child. Parents and caregivers have a wonderful and supporting role to help their children learn new skills and meet developmental goals.
~Ellen Waddill, M.Ed.
PCCD Early Intervention Parent Liaison
