The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has an excellent handout on Tips for Talking with Parents about Developmental Concerns. In it, the authors describe strategies to implement on a regular basis and others for when concerns arise, with spelled out examples of what a service coordinator or provider might actually say. There are also example responses provided for times when a parent disagrees, gets angry or upset, or reports that another professional has a different opinion. The authors wrap up the two-page document with a reminder about cultural differences and offer additional CDC resources to explore. It’s a great read and a terrific tool to have on hand. Visit this resource on CDC’s website here.
The ICC-Recommended Early Start Personnel Manual (ESPM) describes core knowledge and role-specific competencies needed for early intervention service provision, incorporating current research and evidence in the field of early intervention. Access the ESPM here.
This resource is related to the following ESPM knowledge-level competencies:
- Core Knowledge (CK):
- CK2: The role of primary social and emotional relationships as the foundation for early learning.
- Evaluation and Assessment (EA):
- EA4 (EIS): Knows strategies that support parents/caregivers in identifying and articulating their concerns about their infant/toddler’s development and needs.
- Individualized Family Service Plan Development and Review (IFSP-DR):
- IFSP-DR2 (EIS): Understands the concept of mentoring and its importance with parents and other IFSP team members.
- Individualized Family Service Plan Development and Review (IFSP-i):
- IFSP-i3 (EIS): Knows generic and specific evidence-based early intervention strategies to support all areas of development.
- IFSP-i8 (EIS): Understands the parallel process and how coaching as an intervention strategy promotes parent confidence and competence in meeting the child’s needs.
- IFSP-i12 (EIS): Knows that cultural beliefs and practices of parents and professionals affect early intervention service delivery.