Purpose:
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a rapid shift in service delivery; hence, many speech-language pathologists (SLPs) were delivering services to children and families via telepractice without advanced notice or preparation. This clinical focus article describes a caregiver coaching approach that can be implemented through telepractice and the results of a professional development training designed to assist early intervention (EI) providers in quickly implementing the caregiver coaching model.
Method:
Twenty-five EI providers participated in web-based professional development trainings describing the components of a caregiver coaching approach to be used in telepractice. Participants completed pre- and posttraining surveys to report on their current knowledge of caregiver coaching and self-reported changes in their provision of caregiver coaching through telepractice.
Results:
Most participants were able to list, describe, and identify caregiver coaching strategies following training. All providers also described changes in their implementation of the caregiver coaching practices during interactions with children and families in telehealth sessions after receiving training.
Conclusions:
This clinical focus article provides information for SLPs on the implementation of caregiver coaching approaches as applied in telepractice, as well as preliminary evidence of the effectiveness for web-based professional development training to expand SLPs' knowledge and skills related to caregiver coaching in EI. Future research, including ongoing professional development and coaching to ensure fidelity in the implementation of this approach, is discussed, as well as recommendations to expand practice and research in the area of caregiver coaching in telepractice.