Consultation in Early Childhood Settings

Interventions for young children with disabilities are more effective when the adults involved form collaborative partnerships. That's why consultation-a systematic process to help educators, parents, and early childhood professionals work together to address concerns and identify goals-is so important. This practical handbook equips early childhood professionals with the skills needed to function as an effective consultant to educators and caregivers of children from birth through age 5. A step-by-step, 8-stage model shows how to initiate contact with a consultee and establish open, respectful communication; build rapport while gathering crucial information about the consultee; work with the consultee to assess concerns and needs; set goals; select appropriate strategies; prepare the consultee to implement the strategies; evaluate the effectiveness of the strategies and the consultation itself; and hold a summary conference to review outcomes and plan the next steps. This guide will help any early childhood professional serving as a consultant-and anyone in the role of consultee-form strong, respectful partnerships that lead to better child and family outcomes.