This collaborative training, offered by Early Intervention Parent Leadership Project staff, demonstrates the benefits of involving families as advisors at their early intervention programs. It also showcases the variety of roles families can play as advisors.

Working together in parent/professional partnerships, families and EI program staff will identify the benefits of having families in advisory roles, as well as discuss any barriers for both families and providers. An action plan will be developed to identify strategies for including families and strategies for overcoming any identified barriers.

Outline

What does the word "advisor" mean to you?

What are some advisory roles families can play?

What are the benefits?

• For families
• For providers
• For the early intervention program?

Why is it so hard? What are the barriers?

• For families
• For providers
• For the early intervention program?

Identify the most challenging barrier

Brainstorm strategies for overcoming barrier(s)

Outline action plan for next steps

Guidelines for the training:

To best model collaborative partnerships, all EI programs are encouraged to invite both staff and families (graduate families are okay) to attend this dynamic and interactive workshop. This training is most effective when there is a 1:1 ratio of parents and staff. There is a required minimum of 5 family members and 5 staff members. Once you meet the minimum attendance requirements, there is no need for an equal balance.

This training requires a minimum time allotment of 2 hours. The training allows time for discussion in both large and small groups. Each EI program that successfully completes the training will receive two excellent books published by the Institute of Family Centered Care called "Essential Allies" and "Words of Advice". Both books make an excellent addition to your program's library. In addition, staff that attends the full 2-hour training will be awarded Early Intervention Specialist competencies towards certification.