A to Z
Guide
for
Inclusion
Early Intervention
Early intervention includes services and support to prevent or reduce long-term problems in the early stages of the child's life. This support is offered mainly for infants and young children who may suffer from developmental, behavioural, social or emotional problems. This may be caused by biological or environmental factors. Early intervention services are offered to children and also their families.
These services can be offered at home as the home visitor is found to be a good source of information and of emotional support to the family. Programs can also take place in the service center where the child attends and may visit more than once a week. This service offers an educational program and activities to the parents, which can then be done with their child in the comfort of their home.
It is the family’s role to take control over the whole process as they should gather information, evaluate and make decisions according to the needs of the child. However, parents may prefer professionals to make decisions and that is why it is essential that a good parent-professional relationship is built. Parents along with professionals discuss the expected outcomes of the child and build continuous assessment of the child’s progress.
Parents work hand-in-hand with professionals and are capable of being involved fully in their child’s education and development. Early intervention is important as it results in a greater relationship between the child and parents. This bond is strengthened, while parents are able to increase their confidence and competence.
Main Components
Resource support is essential for early intervention in order to become aware of the suitable health, educational and social services that could be offered for the child.
Resource Support
Social Support
Social support is a good source of information for the family of the child. It may offer coping strategies associated with family distress. This component includes adequate support for, friends and other family members that can in turn be involved in assisting the family. This may also include family counseling and parent-to-parent groups and also sibling support.
Information & Services
This component includes services that are offered at home or at a service center. The services are built around the needs of the individual and their families. Parents may also be given advice on how to strengthen interactions with their child. They may also be advised on how to interpret the behaviour of the child and better understand their development.
It is important that these components of early intervention are well integrated in order to increase the family’s confidence to decide what is best for their child