DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/M75V-Y480
Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4078-7366
Defense Date
2023
Document Type
Thesis
Department
Special Education
First Advisor
Dr. Christine Spence
Abstract
Early Interventionists (EIs) play a pivotal role in supporting development for young children with disabilities. It is vital that they are able to support child and family outcomes through building strong partnerships with families, utilizing best practices, and individualizing services to children and families. The purpose of this study was to explore early interventionists’ perceptions regarding how they adapted instruction when delivering services in natural environments. Specifically, this study aimed to understand how changes in the child’s skill level, interests, and level of engagement affected early interventionists’ decision-making process during service delivery. A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews with early interventionists who provide services within natural environments across the state of Virginia. Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns and themes within the data. The data from the analysis revealed that early interventionists employed various strategies to adapt their instruction during service delivery in response to the children’s and families’ skill level, interests, and level of engagement. These strategies included child-led interactions, individualizing, coaching, and building rapport with guardians. The findings also shared there were environmental factors and barriers discussed that EIs perceived impacted their service delivery provision. The findings highlight the importance of EIs utilizing an individualized, flexible, and responsive practice that takes into consideration and responds to children and families’ individual interests, levels of engagement, skill, and priorities. Further research is recommended to explore the impact EIs decision making has on child and family outcomes.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
8-8-2023