Reconceptualizing Family-Centered Partnerships in Parent-Implemented Interventions

Abstract

Parents are recognized as having a significant impact on their young child’s learning and development. Parent-implemented intervention (PII) is an evidence-based practice that provides parents with ample opportunities to learn and implement new strategies that support their child’s development. However, implementation of these training programs in the field of early intervention and early childhood special education (EI/ECSE) is often practitioner-driven, which may diminish positive outcomes for children and families and negatively impact the effectiveness of PII. Delivering PII without careful attention to the family’s strengths and resources can compromise parents’ sense of agency and create barriers to parent–practitioner collaboration. In response, this paper describes a framework for PII in EI/ECSE that moves toward a more holistic parent–practitioner relationship and supports family-centered PII partnerships that emphasize the cultural contexts of families and practitioners. A thorough description of the framework and its key constructs are provided.