5 Ways to Help Families Navigate Early Intervention

Identifying, assessing, and starting early intervention for a developmental delay can take weeks or months. Practitioners can use this time to educate and support families, helping them navigate the journey and access available resources.

Downloadable PDF

Share this Image On Your Site

<p><strong>Please include attribution to WPS Publish with this graphic.</strong><br /><br /><a href='https://www.wpspublish.com/content/infographic/five-ways-to-help-families-navigate-early-intervention'><img src='https://4813430.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/4813430/Full%20Infographics%20(PDF)/help-families-navigate-ei.webp' alt='5 Ways to Help Families Navigate Early Intervention' width='900px' /></a></p>

1. Explain the Process

   • Use ‘plain language.'

   • Give overview of assessments.

   • Confirm overall timelines.

   • Affirm family rights and responsibilities.

   • Clearly identify who is involved & their contact info.

2. Explore Family Goals & Concerns

   • Find out about the family's needs & priorities.

   • Enroll in cultural awareness training if necessary.

   • Create new tools & processes if needed.

   • Choose interventions with greatest potential for improving quality of life.

3. Invite Family to Advocate

   • Encourage developmental activities at home that fit with family routines and resources.

   • Direct families to programs in the community.

   • Empower families to be advocates for their children in community and policy.

4. Communicate Next Steps

   • Share what to expect with a waiting period.

   • Confirm family rights & responsibilities in special education.

   • Discuss how the family would like to receive updates.

   • Relay opportunities via parent-focused social media, ads, community calendars, and flyers from school.

5. Request Feedback

   • What are some practical concerns from the family?

   • Which parts of the evaluation were challenging for families?

   • What might make the process easier for families going forward?

Sources: 

What to Do in the Meantime: Helping Families Navigate Early Intervention