Why a Consultative Model is Important in Early Intervention

In recent years, early intervention home-based practices have shifted to a consultative model. In this model, caregivers are supported in facilitating their child’s development and learning during everyday routines and activities. Why is this shift in service delivery important?

Parents naturally intervene in their children's development every day. In fact, parents have more opportunities to enrich their child's development than any professional. By adopting a consultative approach and providing routines-based strategies, early interventionists allow parents to facilitate natural learning opportunities for their child during daily routines. This results in two positive therapeutic outcomes:

  1. the child will have multiple opportunities for intervention across the day and every day

  2. the opportunities for intervention will occur in contexts that are meaningful to the child and their family

Further Reading:

Jung LA. More Better: Maximizing Natural Learning Opportunities. Young Exceptional Children. 2003;6(3):21-26. doi:10.1177/109625060300600303

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