Early Intervention

Recommended Prerequisites

A solid knowledge on Development Psychology is highly recommended. The student must have good English reading skills since many bibliographic references are in English.

Teaching Methods

Expositive method supported by the presentation of slides; interrogative methods; oral or written reflection based on the presentation of audiovisual materials.

Analysis of texts on key concepts in early childhood intervention.

Active methodologies based on case studies presented in written texts or using audiovisual materials: reflection from concrete questions, in small groups followed by sharing in the large group; role-play.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the concepts of risk and resilience as central elementos in early childhood intervention (ECI).

2. Know the foundations, objectives and target population of ECI, and its evolution, namely in the Portuguese context.

3. Identify and reflect critically on the practices in ECI recommended internationally.

4. Demonstrate basic knowledge about the steps of a family-centered early intervention process.

5. Master some practical skills to approach family and child.

6. Have critical thinking skills on ECI practices and recognize the importance of using evidence-based programs.

7. Know and be able to critically analyze national and international projects in the area of ECI.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Risk and resilience: definition of concepts; from neurons to family and social context.

2. Early childhood intervention (ECI): definition and foundations, objectives, target population and evolution; ECI in Portugal.

3. Recommended practices in early intervention: family-centered and routine-based collaborative interventions; interventions in natural learning contexts (the home visit); teamwork; inter-sectorial and transdisciplinary coordination and integration of services and resources. Importance of continued training and supervision of professionals.

4. The process of intervention focused on the family: referencing, assessment, development of the individualised family service plan (IFSP), implementation and monitoring of the intervention, evaluation of results, transition process.

5. Evaluation of ECI programs. Use of evidence-based interventions: research informing practice.

6. Examples of research-action projects in ECI.

Head Lecturer(s)

Maria João Rama Seabra Santos

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Mini Tests: 50.0%
Exam: 50.0%

Bibliography

- Carvalho, L. et al. (2016). Práticas recomendadas em intervenção precoce na infância: Um guia par profissionais. ANIP.

 

- Crawford, M., & Weber, B. (2014). Early intervention every day!: Embedding activities in daily routines for young children and their families. Paul Brookes Pub.

 

- Guralnick, M. J. (2019). Early intervention: The developmental systems approach. Paul Brookes Pub.

 

- Hanson, M., & Lynch, E. (2013). Understanding families: Supportive approaches to diversity, disability and risk (2nd. ed.). Paul Brookes Pub.

 

- National Scientific Council on the Developing Child. (2015). Supportive relationships and active skill-building strengthen the foundations of resilience: Working Paper 13. http://www.developingchild.harvard.edu

 

- Pletcher, L. C., & Younggren, N. O. (2013). The early intervention workbook: Essential practices for quality services. Paul Brookes Pub.

 

- Shelden, M. L., & Rush, D. D. (2013). The early intervention teaming handbook. Paul Brookes Pub.