Early childhood intervention practitioners’ competence and confidence appraisals using recommended practices and relationship with parent involvement

Abstract

Parent involvement in early childhood intervention (ECI) is considered an important component of recommended ECI practices. However, how parents are involved in their child’s early intervention differs considerably between ECI practitioners. Current research indicates that practitioners’ competence and confidence appraisals influence the use of ECI practices. The purposes of this study were to (1) adapt and validate the Early Childhood Intervention Practitioner Competence and Confidence Scale for use in Spain, (2) examine the psychometric properties of the scale, (3) compare practitioners’ beliefs about their competence and confidence in using recommended ECI practices, and (4) evaluate the relationship between belief appraisals and practitioners’ judgments of parent involvement in ECI. The sample included 130 Spanish ECI practitioners. The results indicated that the scale is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring practitioners’ competence and confidence in using six ECI-recommended practices in Spain. Practitioners’ appraisals of competence and confidence, however, differed across the recommended practices. Significant positive correlations were found between the practitioners’ appraisals of competence and confidence and their judgments of parent involvement. These results show that a strong sense of competence and confidence in using different kinds of ECI-recommended practices is related to increased parent involvement in active child participation in learning and development in everyday activities. Research and practical implications are discussed. La involucración parental es un componente importante de las prácticas recomendadas en atención temprana (AT). Sin embargo, la forma en que los padres son involucrados en la intervención temprana de sus hijos difiere considerablemente entre los profesionales. En este sentido, la investigación actual muestra que el juicio de los profesionales en relación a su competencia y confianza influye el uso de prácticas de AT. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron (1) adaptar y validar la Early Childhood Intervention Practitioner Competence and Confidence Scale para su uso en España, (2) examinar las propiedades psicométricas de esta escala, (3) comparar las creencias de los profesionales en relación a su competencia y confianza en el uso de prácticas recomendadas, y (4) analizar la relación entre estas creencias y el juicio de los profesionales sobre la involucración parental en AT. A este fin, se contó con una muestra española de 130 profesionales de AT. Los resultados indicaron que la escala es un instrumento válido y fiable para medir la competencia y confianza profesional en el uso de seis prácticas recomendadas de AT en el contexto español. El juicio de los profesionales respecto a su competencia y confianza difirió entre las diversas prácticas recomendadas. Se encontraron correlaciones positivas y significativas entre las valoraciones de competencia y confianza de los profesionales y sus juicios sobre la involucración parental. Estos resultados muestran que una elevada competencia y confianza en el uso de diferentes tipos de prácticas recomendadas en AT está relacionada con una mayor involucración parental en la participación activa del niño en su aprendizaje y desarrollo en actividades cotidianas. Se discuten las implicaciones prácticas y de investigación.

Experiences and Challenges of Health Professionals in Implementing Family-Centred Planning: A Qualitative Study

“…The concern about session schedules and family flexibility is a prominent point in the passage. Although the literature acknowledges the importance of work-life balance, early childhood intervention services are generally expected to adapt to the needs and schedules of families [2,5]. The findings suggest a communication gap between early intervention professionals and parents.…”

“…Efforts are needed to unify early intervention approaches nationwide and establish quality standards [5]. This may require a review of legislation and increased investment in resources and professional training.…”

“…Professionals in health and education should receive training on the significance of early intervention and a rightsbased approach. However, the lack of economic resources is a common issue in early intervention systems and can be a significant obstacle to implementing improvements [5].…”

“…However, there is also a socio-familial and work organization that promotes the implementation of FCP. Despite the mentioned barriers, the document emphasizes the importance of promoting family-centred planning, highlighting that both families and professionals, as well as the administration, can play a crucial role in its promotion [5]. Strategies to improve relationships and participation in the early intervention program are presented as essential.…”

“…The FCP recognises that each child is unique and that their needs can vary significantly, underlining the importance of personalizing early childhood services. Despite its potential to improve the quality of care, the implementation of FCP in early childhood settings faces a number of challenges, including institutional and professional barriers [5].…”