Depends on Who You Ask: What Maximizes Participation of Families in Early Intervention Programs

This two-part study was a preliminary investigation of the typesof procedures that could be useful in maximizing the participationof families in early intervention programs for their special-needsinfants, toddlers, and preschoolers. In Study 1, 64 professionalsin the early intervention field completed a survey that described29 potential techniques for maximizing participation of families.For each technique, the respondents endorsed whether they employedthe procedure, or would if they could. In addition, they ratedthe expected effectiveness of each procedure. Verbal praiseand encouragement were highly rated and almost universally inuse, as were various types of written and resource materials.Tangible reinforcement was seldom employed and professionalrespondents tended to indicate that they did not expect thatsuch techniques would be useful. In Study 2, 29 mothers of high-riskinfants and toddlers currently in early intervention rated thesame 29 procedures, but were significantly more likely to endorsethe use of tangible reinforcers and logistical support. Comparisonsamong respondents from professional and parent samples werediscussed, along with implications of the findings and necessarydirections for future research in this area.