This unit highlights related key terms, describes underlying concepts, and provides opportunities to explore practices that recognize and are responsive to unique family circumstances. We’ll also examine the ever-changing diversity of the nation, of people living in Ohio, and of families and service providers who collaborate to implement our EI system.

In this unit, we will explore how individual differences in families influence their access to resources. We’ll seek to understand how historical beliefs influence the perceptions and realities of individuals, and consider root causes of disproportionality and inequity. In doing so, we’ll also look ahead and consider actions to change the paradigm and improve access to services, making them more equitable and inclusive.  As you think about access to services, consider this quote by Verna Myers: “Diversity is being invited to the party. Inclusion is being asked to dance.”  When it comes to access to early intervention services, all families should dance as they desire.

In this unit, we’ll continue our exploration of how a one-size fits all approach in early intervention is limiting for children and families. We’ll examine how program policies and practices shape each child and family’s experience and how institutional practices can unintentionally promote inequities. We’ll also consider practical strategies for adjusting institutional practices to promote individualized and equitable early intervention services to effectively meet each family’s unique interests and needs. 

In this unit, we’ll examine what implicit biases are and how they affect beliefs about others, influence interpersonal interactions, and shape each child and family’s experience within early intervention. We’ll also consider practical strategies for rethinking stereotypes associated with deeply seated biases and becoming an ally to historically excluded communities, for example, families of color, parents with intellectual disabilities, and families experiencing poverty, homelessness, and/or food insecurities.

In this unit, we’ll identify actions needed to individualize the early intervention journey for each family, by getting to know them and understanding who they are, where they live, and the resources they have available.

We’ll take a look at ways to individualize services for families from referral to IFSP development and implementation. You will also have a chance to explore key principles and practical strategies with an equity lens and review ways to apply allyship practices to build families’ leadership and advocacy capacity.

In this unit, we will examine what early childhood adversity is and what it looks like in Ohio. The unit will explore the impact of adverse early childhood experiences (ACEs) and probe ways that the larger early intervention system can reduce the effects. We will explore practical ways to build strength and resilience in children and families of our targeted populations through the implementation of individualized early intervention support. We will also continue looking at how to build respectful partnerships with families.