Discription

Speech-Language Pathologists in Early Childhood Intervention: Working with Infants, Toddlers, Families, and Other Care Providers presents practicing clinicians and graduate students with the skills necessary to provide evidence-based best practice services to young clients struggling to gain functional communication skills and their families. It also serves to broaden the understanding of early intervention within the field of speech-language pathology. Through research, real life scenarios, and practical documents the text presents positive advocacy for this population.

The text begins with a general overview of the history and rationale for early childhood intervention, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part C program, and Early Head Start, as well as a description of the need for speech-language pathologists in early intervention. The majority of the text offers assessment and intervention strategies and tools, including specific tests and curricula, training resources, and the importance of using ongoing assessment for this young age. Strategies for coaching parents and collaborating with professional colleagues as well as working within daily routines in natural environments for the child - all integral components of the Part C early intervention program - are interwoven throughout. The text concludes with the importance of viewing children holistically - taking into consideration all aspects of a child's being and acknowledging the interrelatedness of their developing skills as well as the importance of family in their development.

Speech-language pathologists have a critical role in evaluation, assessment, and intervention for young children with or at risk for communication disorders. Speech-Language Pathologists in Early Childhood Intervention creates a pathway for investing in the principles and activities of early intervention that can lead to best practice and positive outcomes for this young population.

The text is supplemented with downloadable worksheets from the text and PowerPoint slides for each chapter.