Practices for Parent Participation in Early Intervention/ Early Childhood Special Education

The authors examined the extent to which practices for parent participation in early intervention/ early childhood special education (EI/ECSE) programs. The role of parents in the EI/ECSE is important and supported through the literature. The changing traditional family picture in the classrooms, the importance of evolving laws and regulations and recommended practices regarding parent participation are highlighted. The conceptual framework is based on the children, parents, and practitioners’ outcomes. Strategies to promote family involvement provided a direct way to understand how early childhood education programs influence family participation. Practices to promote family participation are discussed. Key Words: parent participation, early intervention, early childhood special education, strategies.