The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #70185

Craig Zercher, PhD¹, Kathleen M. Hebbeler, PhD¹, and Donna Spiker, PhD². (1) Center for Education and Human Services, SRI International, 333 Ravenswood Ave, Menlo Park, CA 94025, (650)859-5314, craig.zercher@sri.com, (2) Policy Division, SRI International, 333 Ravenswood Ave, Menlo Park, CA 94025

The quality and potential effectiveness of early intervention services depend on the adequacy of the work force providing these services. Using data for a nationally representative sample of infants and toddlers with disabilities receiving early intervention services under the Part C program, in this paper, we address the following two questions: (1) what are the characteristics of the service providers who deliver early intervention services to children and families (their disciplines, training, amount of experience) and (2) what is the nature of their work (e.g., caseload, types of children served and services provided, location of work, etc)? From NEILS, we know that the major providers of early intervention services are child development specialists, special educators, speech therapists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists. A wide variety of other professionals also work with sub-groups of young children with disabilities and their families. This paper will present a detailed picture of the work force of early intervention service providers. It will examine the education and training of the providers, their prior experience working this population, as well as their demographic characteristics. It will describe critical features of their work experience, such as who else they serve (older children, adults), where they provide services, and how they spend their time each day.) Significance of these findings for improving the quality of early intervention services will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• 1.Identify key characteristics of professionals working with infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families.
• 2.Identify features of how they provide services.
• 3.Identify policy implications of these findings for improving the delivery of early intervention services.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.