Parents' Experiences Navigating Intervention Systems for Young Children with Mild Language Delays

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Parents' Experiences Navigating Intervention Systems for Young Children with Mild Language Delays
Language: English
Authors: Marshall, Jennifer, Adelman, Andrea, Kesten, Stacey M., Natale, Ruby A., Elbaum, Batya
Source: Journal of Early Intervention. Sep 2017 39(3):180-198.
Availability: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: http://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 19
Publication Date: 2017
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Preschool Education
Early Childhood Education
Descriptors: Young Children, Language Impairments, Early Intervention, Preschool Education, Eligibility, Community Programs, Speech Language Pathology, Intervention, Interviews, Parent Attitudes, Developmental Delays, Barriers, Educational Legislation, Equal Education, Disabilities, Federal Legislation, Mild Disabilities, Qualitative Research, Grounded Theory, Behavior, Referral, Enrollment
Geographic Terms: Florida
Laws, Policies and Program Identifiers: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
DOI: 10.1177/1053815117704958
ISSN: 1053-8151
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of parents of children with mild language delays who were referred to an Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) birth-to-3 or preschool program, were determined not eligible for services, and were referred on to a community-based program for short-term speech-language therapy. Interviews were conducted in the parents' preferred language (10 Spanish, 10 English). A grounded theory approach was applied to identify emergent themes. Results indicated that the process of recognizing a developmental delay, receiving assessment results, and enrolling in services presents challenges that require parents to demonstrate engagement and advocacy throughout. This study highlights parents' motivations for seeking out early intervention services and underscores the importance of understanding parents' experiences navigating developmental service systems. Program planners can partner with parents to address barriers and also capitalize on successes to facilitate timely response to developmental concerns, appropriate referrals, and effective interventions.
Abstractor: As Provided
Number of References: 65
Entry Date: 2017
Accession Number: EJ1150792
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of parents of children with mild language delays who were referred to an Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) birth-to-3 or preschool program, were determined not eligible for services, and were referred on to a community-based program for short-term speech-language therapy. Interviews were conducted in the parents' preferred language (10 Spanish, 10 English). A grounded theory approach was applied to identify emergent themes. Results indicated that the process of recognizing a developmental delay, receiving assessment results, and enrolling in services presents challenges that require parents to demonstrate engagement and advocacy throughout. This study highlights parents' motivations for seeking out early intervention services and underscores the importance of understanding parents' experiences navigating developmental service systems. Program planners can partner with parents to address barriers and also capitalize on successes to facilitate timely response to developmental concerns, appropriate referrals, and effective interventions.
ISSN:1053-8151
DOI:10.1177/1053815117704958