Books
The Early Intervention Guidebook for Families and Professionals: Partnering for Success
Bonnie Keilty
Teachers College Press, 2016
With a focus on how families and professionals can collaborate effectively so that infants and toddlers (0–3) learn, grow, and thrive, chapters address: child learning and development, family functioning and priorities, early intervention as a support and not a substitute, and planning “what’s next” after early intervention.
Call#: WS 350.6 K27 2016
Parents and professionals partnering for children with disabilities : a dance that matters
Janet Fialka, et al.
Corwin Press, 2012
Rich with humor and heart, the book offers helpful steps for self reflection, personnel preparation, and parent-professional training. Key features include: Practical insights and evidence-based approaches to forming partnerships, easy-to-read, non-technical language that speaks to both the heart and the mind, sample letters, conversations, and other forms of communication between professionals and parents, and effective ways to handle difficult situations.
Call#: HQ 773.6 .F53 2012
Seven Essentials for Family–Professional Partnerships in Early Intervention
Bonnie Keilty, et al.
Teachers College Press, 2017
This book is about digging deeper and looking closer at what it takes to have successful relationships with each and every family. The authors explore seven partnership concepts, brought to life through the words and perspectives of families and professionals themselves.
Call#: WS 350.6 .K34 2017
Also available as an eBook
Team Up for Your Child: A Step-by-Step Guide to Working Smarter with Doctors, Schools, Insurers, and Agencies
Wendy Lowe Besmann
Melton Hill Media, 2008
This book provides guides, advice, worksheets, and checklists on how to work with the professionals involved in a child’s services from early intervention through special education.
Call#: WS 107.5 .R5 .B555 2008
Young Exceptional Children Monograph Series No. 5 on Family-Based Practices
Eva Horn, et al. (Eds.)
Division for Early Childhood, 2004
This monograph contains articles highlighting different aspects of family-based practices and how they can enhance early intervention and early childhood special education.
Call#: LC 4019.3 .F198h 2004
Videos
Successfully Parenting Your Baby with Special Needs
50 min; DVD
Edvantage Media, 1999
This video provides a comprehensive, easy-to-follow introduction to early intervention services, including how parents can best communicate with professionals on how to meet the needs of their young child.
Call#: HQ 759.913 .S833 1999
Articles
Exceptional Parent, 34(2), 38–40
Early Intervention Matters, Part 4: The Role and Responsibility of the Service Coordinator in Early Intervention
Susan Addison. (2004)
This article explains the role of service coordinators and discusses how they can facilitate communication between parents and professionals.
Young Exceptional Children, 9(2), 2–11
Moving from Assessment Information to IFSPs: Guidelines for a Family-Centered Process
Lee Ann Jung and Jennifer Grisham-Brown. (2006)
This article guides parents through the process of assessment and creation of the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and discusses the importance of communication with service coordinators and professionals during the process.
Web Resources
Communicating With Parents During Sensitive or Difficult Situations
This list provides resources to help providers discuss difficult topics with parents. Web articles, books, journal articles, and organizations are listed.
Conference Time! Talking to Your Child’s Teacher or Caregiver
Many parents feel nervous about parent-teacher conferences or other talks with their children’s teachers or caregivers. Here are some parent-tested hints to help you have good meetings with the people at your child’s program. Also available in Spanish, Polish, and Korean.
Connecting with Parents: “But He Doesn’t Do That at Home!”
Linda bites her classmates. Nate’s rude talk upsets everybody. But the parents seem stunned when you tell them you would like to find ways to help their child get along better at school. Here are some suggestions that may help when parents say, “He doesn’t do that at home!” Also in Spanish and Polish.
Talking with Your EI Service Providers (EIC)
A parent-friendly tip sheet created by the Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse. Also available in Spanish.
The Family’s Role in Early Intervention: How You Can Help Your Child (EIC)
A parent-friendly tip sheet created by the Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse. Also available in Spanish.
Transition at Age 3: Leaving the Early Intervention Program (EIC)
A parent-friendly tip sheet created by the Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse. Also available in Spanish.
Who Is on Your Early Intervention Team? (EIC)
A parent-friendly tip sheet created by the Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse. Also available in Spanish.
Answering Questions About Your Child’s Special Needs (EIC)
A parent-friendly tip sheet created by the Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse. Also available in Spanish.
Paying for EI Services (EIC)
A parent-friendly tip sheet created by the Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse. Also available in Spanish.