Clinton County RESA Early On ® Training & Technical Assistance Essential Elements of Family-Centered Practice

Clinton County RESA Early On ® Training & Technical Assistance Being family centered means being culturally competent…

Clinton County RESA Early On ® Training & Technical Assistance Diversity The integrity of the family is protected and the racial, ethnic, cultural, socioeconomic diversity of families is honored. Innate family strengths, individuality and different methods of coping are recognized and respected. The knowledge, skills, and experience that families and workers bring to a given situation are recognized and respected. The families capabilities are respected

Clinton County RESA Early On ® Training & Technical Assistance How can we be culturally competent?

Clinton County RESA Early On ® Training & Technical Assistance We Need… Self Awareness: – Examining our own beliefs and values about families, young children, and disabilities. Understanding how our own personal histories have shaped our views of the world, thus helping us to better understand differences in others Knowledge: – Accessing resources that will help us learn about others who are different than we are, the most important being the family itself. Respect and communication: – Seeking specific information from each family regarding beliefs and practices in a manner that is acceptable and non-threatening to the family.

Clinton County RESA Early On ® Training & Technical Assistance Being family centered means being respecting Family Rights… Family rights are to ensure that families are treated fairly, and to protect families and providers.

Clinton County RESA Early On ® Training & Technical Assistance Family Rights, include but are not limited to: Give or deny written consent regarding personally identifying information Receive notice that their child has been referred to Early On Receive written notice before an agency or service provider proposes to inspect/review any of their child/family’s Early On® records Be fully informed of what they are agreeing to Agree or disagree in writing

Clinton County RESA Early On ® Training & Technical Assistance Family Rights (continued) Know that consent is voluntary and can be withdrawn at any time Accept or refuse some services without losing others Request mediation and/or a due process hearing if they disagree with something that occurs throughout their Early On involvement Ask that Early On records be changed File a complaint with the Michigan Department of Education if they feel IDEA Part C is being violated

Clinton County RESA Early On ® Training & Technical Assistance Being family centered means working in collaborative partnerships…

Clinton County RESA Early On ® Training & Technical Assistance Collaborative Partnerships Families and providers respectfully and openly communicate complete and unbiased information on an ongoing basis. Shared responsibility, negotiation, and collaboration occurs among families and workers at all organizational levels. Trust and respect between families and workers are nurtured and valued.

Clinton County RESA Early On ® Training & Technical Assistance Examples of collaborative partnerships…

Clinton County RESA Early On ® Training & Technical Assistance Collaborative Partnerships An example of a family-provider partnership – A service provider listens to the parent and they work together to develop an outcome and/or supporting strategies for an Individualized Family Service Plan

Clinton County RESA Early On ® Training & Technical Assistance Collaborative Partnerships Inter-agency examples: The multidisciplinary evaluation team works together with the family in developing an IFSP. An ISD (Intermediate School District) and community agencies including public health and human service organization work together to develop the Early On local service area plan. An Early On service coordinator, a parent, and a local volunteer group work together to arrange transportation to medical appointments.

Clinton County RESA Early On ® Training & Technical Assistance Being family centered means providing services in natural environments…

Clinton County RESA Early On ® Training & Technical Assistance Natural Environments The family is recognized as the constant throughout the lives of their children, while the service systems and personnel within them will fluctuate. Family to family support and networking is promoted and facilitated. The family’s existing social networks, natural sources of support, and community integration are maximized.

Clinton County RESA Early On ® Training & Technical Assistance What exactly are natural environments?

Clinton County RESA Early On ® Training & Technical Assistance Natural Environments IDEA, Part C, states: “...to the maximum extent appropriate to the needs of the child, early intervention services are provided in natural environments, including the home and community setting in which children without disabilities participate” (34 CFR Part (b)) And defines natural environments: “..settings that are natural or normal for the child’s age peers who have no disabilities.” (34 CFR Part (c))

Clinton County RESA Early On ® Training & Technical Assistance Natural Environments Key concepts learning opportunity: a time during an activity or routine when a child can acquire new learning or practice what is being learned routines: the everyday activities that are part of a family’s daily, weekly, and monthly schedule functional: activities that help children build skills they will use in their daily lives, practicing skills in context

Clinton County RESA Early On ® Training & Technical Assistance Natural Environments Interventions in natural environments ensure: Children are comfortable in the settings they are to be learning in (and therefore, where they learn best, according to brain development research) Fathers, siblings, and other loved ones can be included Opportunities for practice are maximized Children are exposed to typically developing children, who model typical development. Interventions are convenient to the family