Investigating caregiver coaching in an early intervention model for children with hearing loss

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this research was to investigate the relationship between early intervention providers’ backgrounds and their perceptions of caregiver coaching and auditory skill development. An explanatory sequential design was used with participants of varying backgrounds. In the first phase of the study, participants responded to a survey regarding their educational background, and their comfort with caregiver coaching and auditory skill development. Survey results were analysed using Spearman’s Ranked Correlational Coefficient (Spearman’s r_s) to form groups of participants from extreme cases. The second phase of the study consisted of participant interviews from each of the groups. Interviews were coded to identify themes present within and between groups. The information from both phases was analysed to generate how professional preparation influences service delivery. Results were subsequently analysed to determine potential improvements in the Early Intervention system, professional development, and policy.

KEYWORDS:

• Early intervention
• caregiver coaching
• hearing loss
• Part C services

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Alison King

Dr. Alison King is an Assistant Professor at Longwood Univeristy and serves as the Graduate Director of the Communication Sciences and Disorders program. She is an ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist and a LSLS certified Auditory-Verbal Therapist. Dr. King has clinical experience in early intervention, public schools, and private practice. Her research interests include caregiver coaching in early intervention, aural habilitation, and professional preparation of EI providers.

Donna Gilles

Donna Gilles, Ed.D, Associate Professor Emerita, has over 40 years of experience working with people with disabilities, families, and practitioners. Most recently she served as the Executive Director of the Partnership for People with Disabilities at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Virginia's university center for excellence in developmental disabilities, as well as Associate Professor in the VCU School of Education, Department of Counseling and Special Education.

Yaoying Xu

Dr. Yaoying Xu is Professor in the Department of Counseling and Special Education at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). She is also the Director of Asian-American Educational Studies Center of VCU's School of Education. Dr. Xu's research interests and expertise focus on social aspects of students with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and how social interaction affects students' academic performance.