Infant Toddler Development Training
Module 5

Module Description

This module explores the importance of building relationships with families and other professionals with whom we work in order to maximize outcomes for children. Requirements for collaboration and partnerships within the Early Steps system necessitate the need for providers to possess the understanding and skills to build and sustain relationships, not only with families, but with other professionals in the community. Information about family ecology, the impact of cultural issues on establishing relationships and techniques for supporting partnerships with families and the community are provided. Relationship building is explored over various components of the Early Steps system. Development of meaningful, functional outcomes that meet the child and family's needs and link to developmental skills are highlighted.

Required Readings

The required text for this module is: Sandall, S., McLean, M.E., Smith, B.J. (Eds.) (2000) DEC Recommended Practices in Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education. Denver, CO: Division of Early Childhood. Learners will also need to access the Resource Bank for Adobe Acrobat (PDF) documents and be prepared to link to websites included within the various lessons of this module. The learner will need to access a community college or university library for a required journal article. Participants are expected to carefully read assigned materials and be prepared to answer questions regarding all content during the self assessments and final evaluation.

Module Objectives and Corresponding Florida Department of Health (FDOH) Competencies

1. Demonstrate an understanding of what IDEA Federal legislation and Florida's Early Steps policy require with regard to family and community partnerships, service coordination, family assessment and IFSP development and implementation. (FDOH A1, A4, A6, A8)
2. Understand the importance of building relationships throughout the Early Steps System - from first contacts, through evaluation and assessment during the development of the IFSP, and the provision of supports and services. (FDOH C10)
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the importance of the role that families play in their child's life, understanding that parents are authentic experts about their children's history, strengths, needs, progress and potential. (FDOH B13, C1)
4. Describe the importance of partnerships with families as well as professionals. (FDOH C12, D5-7, E2, E6)
5. Understand the impacts of cultures, ethnicities and family experiences in all areas, building partnerships, and communicating with families and the community. (FDOH B9, C4, E11, F1)
6. Discuss the important role which our attitudes and beliefs about families as well as cultural diversity play in developing effective parent and professional partnerships. (FDOH B9, H1, H5)
7. Describe common family ecologies i.e. characteristics, stresses and perspectives that impact them. (FDOH B10, B12)
8. Demonstrate awareness of the variety of community resources (including Family Resource Specialists), services, and supports that are available to families.(FDOH B11, F4)
9. Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate with a variety of teaming partners (e.g., families, service providers, community providers) in a jargon-free and culturally sensitive manner.(FDOH D2, E1-3, E-6, H1, H2)
10. Understand the components of effective team meetings and team members' particular roles in these meetings, including the process of information sharing among team members, including families. (FDOH D2, D5, E1, E3, E12)
11. Understand how to develop functional, routine-based outcomes with families and other professionals which are appropriately linked to assessments and developmental skills. (FDOH E13, F2, F5)
12. Discuss adult learning principles that promote maximum involvement and engagement of families and other professionals. (FDOH C12)

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