Because EI is individualized, no two EI sessions are exactly the same. Below are some general practices that you can expect to see during an EI session at an Early Care and Education Program:
The EI provider will use coaching to partner with early childhood educators and interact with the child. In PA, EI providers across the state are currently being trained in one of the following EI service delivery models:
Infant/Toddler Early Intervention providers are using Family Guided Routines Based Intervention (FGRBI) to coach caregivers on how to promote learning and engagement through everyday routines.
Preschool Early Intervention providers are using Embedded Instruction to coach caregivers on how to provide developmentally appropriate, intentional learning opportunities during everyday activities.
EI should take place in the child’s natural environment—including the early care and education setting. EI providers cannot take children out of the classroom. To support collaboration, coaching, and inclusion, it is important for EI to take place in the child’s everyday environment and during classroom routines.
The EI provider and teacher should briefly check in and reflect on any progress, updates, or challenges since the last visit. This is a good opportunity for the teacher to express any concerns.
The EI provider may observe the child engaging with peers, teachers, and/or classroom activities. The EI provider may ask teachers for feedback or provide teachers with feedback.
The EI provider may offer direct information, resources, and strategies. They will also often demonstrate or model specific strategies, sometimes through facilitated social interactions with classroom peers. The EI provider may also ask teachers to practice a strategy to make sure that they’re comfortable with the strategy.
The early childhood educator should be prepared to discuss any questions or concerns related to the child’s development, classroom engagement, or participation in routines and activities to begin problem-solving during the session.
At the end of the visit, the EI provider may complete their session note to document and review the strategies. They will develop a plan with the teacher for how to support learning between visits. EI providers will also communicate with parents so that parents can practice at home too.
