Rainbows & Rain: early intervention stories, reflection, coaching

Am I Coaching? [Part II: Observation, Discussion & Problem Solving]

As promised here is the handout "Delayed Response" [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nVwRT4Hir2nVWqpFUg2XlA5zXqlVycpK/view?usp=drive_link] I reference in my story when I was observing an incidental caregiver/child interaction.  In this episode I go through these these reflective statements regarding Observation, Discussion and Problem Solving: *I initiate a discussion about the family's priorities, needs and plans for the visit. *I have reflective conversations to help the caregivers think through what they know, have already tried or want to change.  *I observe caregiver-child interactions and family routines and activities whenever I can. *I begin by specifically defining the problem.  *I collaborate with the caregiver to solve the problem by bouncing ideas back and forth.  *I problem-solve with the caregiver in the moment while observing a routine, activity or interaction.   *After problem solving, I let the caregiver decide which strategy to try with the child.

Am I Coaching? [Part I: Practice]

Self Reflection: "Am I coaching," when it comes to the coaching characteristic of practice? Listen as I take on the following self reflective questions that may get you thinking on your own interactions with families and how to continue to grow. 1. I convey the idea to the caregiver that each intervention visit is a practice session for the child and caregiver. 2. I use modeling as a teaching tool to help the caregiver learn to use the strategy.  3. When I model with their child I shift the interaction back to the caregiver so the caregiver can practice and feel successful.  4. I help the caregiver practice during routines and activities that re natural to them and in real time.  5. I coach the caregiver from the sidelines and fade my support over time so they feel joy in their accomplishments that they can do this without me.  6. I do my best to be patient and celebrate practice whenever it happens.  All Things Early Intervention [https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/All-Things-Early-Intervention-8565] TPT store resources for anyone working in EI! Pause & Reflect by Dana Childress [https://products.brookespublishing.com/Pause-and-Reflect-P1251.aspx]

Our Words Matter

An IFSP meeting like I've never had before and will never forget.  Do you know what's been said to families before you enter their lives?  Hear what this mother was told after the diagnosis of Pader Willi Syndrome was confirmed after her son's birth.  It finally came out while discussing the goal for the IFSP.  It became very apparent that this mother did not know she could even want things for her son because of what "the doctor said." All Things Early Intervention [https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/All-Things-Early-Intervention-8565]

Building Engagement: ”The Layer Cake”

I've been thinking a lot about families.  How to connect intervention with everyday opportunities and it all comes down to parent/child engagement.  This episode I reflect on what I am learning through Autism Navigator and what they call "the layer cake."  Building support from the bottom up.  Let's face it; if our cake isn't baked, it's going to fall - or at the very least be uneven! Autism Navigator [https://autismnavigator.com/] All Things Early Intervention - parent handouts [https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/All-Things-Early-Intervention-8565] "The Layer Cake" [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vT45qHMqE8IsJRvdlK4TG-73RhUqrZST/view?usp=sharing]

Preverbal Strategies

A listener recently reached out asking me to podcast on specific strategies I use with families and on visits.  Great idea and great topic!  Hear what has worked best during visits - I share 3 very different stories of kids at the same level doing very different things.  If you are new to EI this is a must hear episode! Find Coaching Resources at:  All Things Early Intervention [https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/All-Things-Early-Intervention-8565]