Telepractice has become a critical tool for delivering early intervention (EI) services, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent study titled Identifying critical behaviours for building engagement in telepractice early intervention: An international e-Delphi study provides valuable insights into how professionals can enhance engagement with families and children through telepractice.
Conducted by Retamal-Walter et al. (2022), this study identifies 64 critical behaviors that professionals, parents/caregivers, children, and support staff should exhibit to build engagement in telepractice EI. Here are some key takeaways that can help practitioners improve their telepractice sessions:
Key Behaviors for Early Intervention Professionals
- Demonstrate Empathy: Showing empathy towards the child and parent/caregiver is essential for building rapport and trust.
- Engage in Small Talk: Initiating small talk helps in creating a comfortable environment and breaking the ice.
- Establish Expectations and Goals: Discuss the session goals and the roles of each participant to set clear expectations.
- Family-Tailored Service: Consider the child's and family's unique needs and interests when planning activities.
- Encourage Active Participation: Foster active participation from both the child and the parent/caregiver throughout the session.
- Provide Feedback: Regularly offer feedback and listen to the parent/caregiver's input and questions.
- Prepare for Carry-Over: Make specific plans for activities that parents can continue at home.
Critical Behaviors for Parents/Caregivers
- Share Relevant Information: Be open about the family's culture, values, and previous experiences with technology.
- Engage with the Child: Actively participate in the session and encourage the child to do the same.
- Provide Feedback: Offer feedback to the EI professional about the intervention program and the child's progress.
Behaviors for Children and Support Persons
- Child Interaction: The child should interact with the EI professional and show signs of enjoyment during the session.
- Support Person's Role: A support person can assist with technological issues and provide physical assistance when needed.
By deliberately displaying these behaviors, professionals can significantly enhance family engagement, which is associated with better outcomes in EI. It is crucial for EI professionals to use these evidence-based strategies to guide their practice and ensure that parents and caregivers feel confident and empowered to take an active role in their child's intervention.
For a more comprehensive understanding of these critical behaviors and to further improve your telepractice skills, we encourage you to read the original research paper: Identifying critical behaviours for building engagement in telepractice early intervention: An international e-Delphi study.
