A Pilot Study of the Effectiveness and Feasibility of an Early Intervention Leadership Program for Families of Children With Disabilities

Abstract

While there are opportunities for families to fulfill leadership roles in early intervention, families often report feeling disempowered and unprepared to become leaders. To this end, in this pilot study, we evaluated the effectiveness and feasibility of an 8-hour leadership program for 20 parents of children who are receiving, or recently received, early intervention services. Participants demonstrated significant increases in early intervention knowledge and empowerment after completing the leadership program. The program had high attendance, low attrition, and high fidelity to the curriculum. Participants were overwhelmingly satisfied with the program and suggested a longer program duration. Initial efficacy and participant enthusiasm suggest a need to consider program implementation more broadly with the goal of increasing parent leadership and involvement in early intervention.