Ashley McCauley, parent of 3 children whose son attends Early Intervention (EI) at Partners in Child Development (PCD) shared… “Denny is in EI, they have coached us and cheered for us along the way. Not only with his medical and developmental issues, but with post-partum support for me”
EI in Massachusetts and many other states is moving toward a coaching model that helps to support the parent/caregiver to help them identify, guide, and strategize about the child’s development throughout each day.
The caregiver and the child have the most important relationship, they are the first and most invested teacher a child will have. YES – the EI provider is the expert in child development, but… the parent/caregiver is the EXPERT in their child.
Early Intervention has always welcomed family-centered learning and counted on caregivers to help establish their children’s developmental outcomes. Now, EI is focusing on coaching alongside the caregiver.
During the visit the EI Provider would help identify activities and routines throughout the day that can facilitate learning. Playing with a toy is not the only fun and educational playtime!
Just think of all the opportunities for a caregiver and child to practice new skills.
- Meal and Snack time
- Diaper changes and dressing
- Bath time and so much more
In the Coaching model, the EI provider is not going to “fix” an issue – they can however, coach the caregivers to find solutions and strategies toward desired developmental outcomes.
Ashley went on to say, “we truly love the way that PCD advocates for ALL children as well as their families.” – PCD feels that asking for help is always a good thing. Many parents can benefit from coaching.
~ Ellen M. Waddill
EI Parent Liaison
