The word partnership implies two or more people involved in the process of sharing rights and responsibilities in order to work together toward an agreed-on and mutual benefit end.  For the purpose of this class, in early intervention, early childhood professionals, special education personnel and families partner in formal and informal ways for the benefit of children in need for intervention services.

The child’s legal guardian, in most cases one or both parents, formally partner with professionals to form an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) when the child is under three years of age, or to form and Individualized Education Plan (IEP), when the child is older than three years of age.

Recommended practice suggests that the best type of relationship that can develop between families and professionals is one in which families are viewed as full-fledged families” (Gargiulo, Kilgo, 2014, p.67).  In our work as educators we must be that bridge that connects the child and the family with community services. we have the honor to educate children and to provide positive input in the child’s life. Parents are important and we must include them and consider their perspectives as well.

In this role, parents provide consent for the early intervention evaluation and services and the development of goals and outcomes. Professionals must make a commitment to support the child and the family during this process.  The family must be explained about the process of creating an IFSP, or IEP (according to child’s age), their rights, and their child’s rights.

The following is a YouTube video which explains the benefits of supporting Early Intervention (EI) services for children and their families. EI providers and families share their experiences of how this partnership benefits everyone involved through the family centered practice approach.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQ_TUd5TEE