Studies have shown that children in Early Intervention thrive with Continuity of Care. This helps them to form secure attachments with their caregivers, and have long-standing and secure relationships with them. These trusting relationships, as well as the services provided, will help your child to acquire the skills needed to succeed, and help reduce the stress that comes with change and transitions.
(See related article) https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/jul2018/benefits-continuity-care
Some benefits of Continuity of Care for children and families include: (McMullen et al. 2015)
- Decreases stress on families by keeping consistency and reducing transitions in relationships
- Supports child’s developmental progress
- Facilitates secure attachments for Children
- Strengthens family-caregiver partnerships
- Empowers families
- Improves Children’s behaviors
- Eases Transition to Preschool
Allowing your child’s provider(s) to continue therapy remotely will help keep these secure attachments in place and help your child transition during this very difficult time!
Regression Prevention
Regression is when your child appears to be “going backwards” in an area(s) of development. This is sometimes caused by a “gap” in services, or a change in life or environment. Frequently, regression is noted in Early Intervention when services are not provided on a regular basis.
In order to prevent regression and help your child succeed, it is recommended to continue services, even if it means remote learning and care!
For the Family
Early Intervention is a family-centered model! Families should be participating in therapy sessions and be given strategies for carry-over to help them help their child. Telehealth provides an opportunity for the family and provider to work together to provide the service. This EMPOWERS the family to feel confident doing carry-over exercises and addressing their own child’s needs! Telehealth will also allow services to be provided according to the family’s schedule! Without travel considerations, providers may start earlier and end later in the day to help accommodate what works best for the family.
For the Future
Remote services are already a standard of care in many other states and programs. Due to the unknown nature of COVID-19, it is possible that this option will continue to be offered long-term. To ensure the smoothest transition for each child, it is highly encouraged that families begin adopting this practice as soon as possible!
How we can Help
Contact your Agency or Service Provider to get started! Your practitioner will walk you through this process and guide you. If your service provider is currently not offering Telehealth Services, please contact your agency to see if services can be re-assigned. We will find you someone willing and experienced with this mode of service delivery to work with you and your child.