A Pilot Study of the Effectiveness and Feasibility of an Early Intervention Leadership Program for Families of Children with Disabilities

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Bibliographic Details
Title: A Pilot Study of the Effectiveness and Feasibility of an Early Intervention Leadership Program for Families of Children with Disabilities
Language: English
Authors: Meghan Burke (ORCID 0000-0001-5287-2351), Chak Li, Kelly Fulton, Waifong Catherine Cheung
Source: Journal of Early Intervention. 2025 47(3):251-264.
Availability: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 14
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Adult Education
Descriptors: Family Role, Leadership Training, Children, Disabilities, Early Intervention, Program Effectiveness, Parent Education, Knowledge Level, Empowerment, Attendance, Program Implementation, Fidelity, Student Satisfaction, Advocacy
DOI: 10.1177/10538151241271096
ISSN: 1053-8151
2154-3992
Abstract: While there are opportunities for families to fulfill leadership roles in early intervention, families often report feeling disempowered and unprepared to become leaders. To this end, in this pilot study, we evaluated the effectiveness and feasibility of an 8-hour leadership program for 20 parents of children who are receiving, or recently received, early intervention services. Participants demonstrated significant increases in early intervention knowledge and empowerment after completing the leadership program. The program had high attendance, low attrition, and high fidelity to the curriculum. Participants were overwhelmingly satisfied with the program and suggested a longer program duration. Initial efficacy and participant enthusiasm suggest a need to consider program implementation more broadly with the goal of increasing parent leadership and involvement in early intervention.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1479450
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:While there are opportunities for families to fulfill leadership roles in early intervention, families often report feeling disempowered and unprepared to become leaders. To this end, in this pilot study, we evaluated the effectiveness and feasibility of an 8-hour leadership program for 20 parents of children who are receiving, or recently received, early intervention services. Participants demonstrated significant increases in early intervention knowledge and empowerment after completing the leadership program. The program had high attendance, low attrition, and high fidelity to the curriculum. Participants were overwhelmingly satisfied with the program and suggested a longer program duration. Initial efficacy and participant enthusiasm suggest a need to consider program implementation more broadly with the goal of increasing parent leadership and involvement in early intervention.
ISSN:1053-8151
2154-3992
DOI:10.1177/10538151241271096