What do home visits look like?
The Early Intervention Program embraces the Primary Coach Approach to Teaming as an approach to intervention. This means that every child and family have a full team available to coach and support them, but one person from the team functions as the primary support for each family. The Primary Coach Approach is different than a medical or traditional, direct therapy model. It is an approach that supports you in your everyday routines and learning opportunities and empowers you to be the one promoting your child’s development.
The role of the family in early intervention is crucial for the success of a child’s development. During visits, it’s important for families to be present and fully engaged, using this time to focus on their child and their needs. Asking questions helps clarify strategies and ensures a better understanding of the support provided. Families should also share their own experiences, discussing what strategies have been effective and where they need more guidance. Collaborating with the primary coach to create a joint plan allows for a tailored approach that fits the child’s unique situation. Practicing the strategies in between visits reinforces progress and helps build a consistent routine for the child.
Primary Provider’s Role as Coach:
- Joint Planning: the coach will talk with you about what you would like to practice in between visits
- Observation: the coach can observe your interaction with your child, or you can observe the coach modeling a new idea or strategy
- Action/Practice: the coach can model new strategies for you that you can practice before the next visit
- Reflection: the coach will support you and help you think about how the current strategies are working and why
- Feedback: the coach will listen to/view your understanding of the strategies and offer feedback or new ideas
- Teaming: the coach will share information with the rest of the team during weekly team meetings and ask for suggestions or joint visits whenever necessary
How Often Will I See My Primary Coach?
When and how often you meet with your primary coach depends on how much time you want to practice the joint plan in-between visits.
Learn more about our EIP Program.
