Authors

  1. Yang, Chih-Hung PhD
  2. Hossain, Syeda Zakia PhD
  3. Sitharthan, Gomathi PhD

Abstract

Effective early childhood intervention (ECI) relies on collaboration among agencies, service providers, and families. Although previous literature has primarily focused on segments of collaboration within ECI service delivery, the actual process and how the adult stakeholders perceive and engage in collaborative practice have important implications for and effects on the service delivery system. This article investigates service providers' understanding of and reflections on their actual experiences of being engaged in collaborative service delivery. A survey approach was used to assess 75 service providers on their experience of collaborative ECI practice. The findings explain the practices and emphasize the value of working together with families to achieve effective collaborative ECI. Furthermore, the results show the value of working with families to be a significant predictor of service providers' satisfaction with provider-family collaboration, interagency collaboration, and their own time devoted to collaborative practice.