Putting The Cart Before The Horse: Understanding The Family Assessment Process In Early Intervention
Date of Award
January 2013
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Teaching & Learning
First Advisor
Kari Chiasson
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of six state-wide policies and procedures used in the family assessment process within early intervention services. This study looked at the administrative understanding of the family assessment federal regulations, state policies and procedures, and local implementation from the perspective of the Part C coordinator in his or her state.
This qualitative study utilized methodologies associated with a grounded theory approach through in-depth interviews. The participants in this study included six state Part C coordinators. Based on the findings of this study, two broad conclusions are offered:
1. There was a lack of specific policies and procedures regarding family assessment, which made family assessment difficult to implement with fidelity across a state system.
2. There was a lack of specific training around performance competencies of family assessment, which lead to a reliance on a state's family-centered philosophy and the IFSP process.
Recommendations were made for early interventionists, Part C coordinators, and researchers in the area of family assessment.
Recommended Citation
Votava, Kristen Michelle, "Putting The Cart Before The Horse: Understanding The Family Assessment Process In Early Intervention" (2013). Theses and Dissertations. 1488.
https://commons.und.edu/theses/1488