Inclusion of Infants and Toddlers With Significant Support Needs Across Natural Environments: What Can Early Interventionists Do?

Abstract

Infants and toddlers with significant support needs (SSNs) receive early intervention services under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act. These services occur in a variety of children’s natural environments, which may include their home, child care, community parks, extended family members’ homes, etc. It is important that early interventionists who provide developmental services to children with SSNs and their caregivers are equipped with strategies they can use to promote meaningful inclusion of this unique population. This paper illustrates what high-quality inclusion can look like and provides strategies that early interventionists can implement with various caregivers in a child’s life.