On-the-Job Practices of Early Childhood Special Education Providers Trained in Family-Centered Practices

Date Published:
Source
Journal of Early Intervention
Authors:
Murray, Mary M., and Mandell, Colleen J.
Volume
28
Issue
2
Page Numbers
125-138

This qualitative study investigated the use of family-centered practices by graduates of two early childhood special education personnel preparation programs that embedded family-centered pedagogy and involvement in all coursework. Three cohorts, involving 19 graduates employed in 19 different programs located in six states, participated in individually administered interviews to identify their perspectives about and use of family-centered practices in their work environments. All graduates were committed to and described using family-centered practices, but the large majority of graduates also identified significant barriers to using family-centered practices, including lack of support from colleagues and administrators and lack of policies related to working with families. Implications for pre-service preparation, policy makers, and service programs are discussed.