What is home-based developmental intervention (DI)?

Developmental intervention (DI) focuses on all developmental domains (communication, social-emotional, self-help, motor, and cognition) and the child’s ability to learn through play and social interactions. It’s home-based early childhood special education to target delays in one or more areas of the child’s development. Intervention is embedded into play experiences and everyday routines that challenge children to learn and practice new skills. DI is also about identifying and changing caregivers’ behaviors that impact a child, such as the specific wording a parent uses to give directions.

To the untrained eye a DI session looks simply like play. And it is. But it is intentional and purposeful play that challenges a child so they can learn new skills. My role is to consult and coach caregivers on reading child cues to determine what supports children need and what experiences will help them thrive. Once I leave, parents continue to use these strategies during everyday routines. These methods are play-based and routine-based so teaching and learning can happen anytime and anywhere.

What delays can DI address?

As an early childhood special educator I can assist with concerns related to:

- challenging behavior

- emotional regulation

- social interactions

- verbal and nonverbal communication

- cognition (think of attention, persistence, and problem-solving)

- executive function (memory, impulse control, mental flexibility)

- independence and self-help skills (such as toileting and feeding)

As your child grows and develops, your concerns will change, too. Since DI takes a global view of a child’s development, we can easily shift the focus of our intervention to address your current concerns.

What happens during a DI session?

To the untrained eye a DI session will look like simple play. But this play intentionally exposes your child to new ways of interacting with and learning from the world. This purposeful play leads to learning. For example, during play with finger paints we can target verbal and non-verbal communication, making choices, following directions, social turn-taking, fine motor manipulation, and cognitive skills such as counting and shapes. All while having fun!

Every session will include coaching for the caregiver so families can better read their child’s cues, understand their child’s needs, and modify adult behaviors to better support child development. We’ll brainstorm solutions that will work for your family and practice new ideas together.

Why is DI home-based?

When I work with you in your child’s own environment I can better understand your child’s interests and the context for learning. Benefits to working with an interventionist in your home include:

-          Immediately practice intervention ideas where they are needed

-          Identify triggers for challenging behavior (and then make a change!)

-          Use toys and everyday materials you already have in your own home

-          Your child feels comfortable and safe

-          You don’t waste precious time driving to appointments!

What’s the parent/caregiver role?

The caregiver is the key to success! Each session I’ll ask for an update on progress and any change in concerns. We’ll brainstorm together to figure out what’s working and what ideas you still need. I use a caregiver-mediated model which means that I will serve as a consultant and coach to model a variety of techniques and cheer you on while you practice (and this all happens during play or daily routines). That way you can implement intervention strategies anytime and anywhere with your child. The real magic happens between sessions during everyday play and routines.

What age of children do you work with?

I work with families of children ages birth-5 years (through kindergarten). This is aligned with my Kentucky Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (IECE) teaching certification. 

Does my child need a diagnosis for DI?

Not at all. Developmental intervention goals are based on family concerns and child development milestones. I use a parent interview to determine developmental milestones, set goals, and track progress. However, I do not offer clinical assessment or testing for the purposes of diagnosis.

What about other therapies?

DI might be the only support you and your child need, or you might have a team of professionals helping you along this journey. I’m happy to communicate with other professionals if your child receives additional services such as speech or occupational therapy, or if he/she attends preschool. Communication and collaboration between team members reduces stress on families and makes your child’s treatment more efficient.

My child is already enrolled in First Steps. Can we work with you?

It depends. Yes, I do provide DI services to children enrolled in First Steps. However, eligibility for specific services in First Steps is determined by family and child assessment. Ask your First Steps service coordinator if your child is eligible for DI.

My child received DI in First Steps. Will this be similar?

Yes, I use the same basic principles that are used in First Steps. I use a home-based, family-centered approach where caregiver concerns guide our work together.

Can DI help with behavior concerns?

Most caregivers are concerned about their child’s behavior at some point. Parenting is rewarding, but it’s super stressful, too! By working together you and I can help your child learn to:

• manage strong emotions

• make choices

• follow directions

• transition between activities

• play with family members and other children

• use words instead of tantrums

• use calming methods (for child and adult 😊)

My child has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Will DI help?

Every family has to decide which intervention and therapy model(s) works best for their child. Developmental intervention (DI) is not the same as applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT), occupational therapy (OT), or mental health counseling. However, DI can provide parental education/support and intervention strategies for children who have communication and social delays.

Is DI the same as mental health therapy?

No. DI focuses on overall child development, which includes a child’s social and emotional development. I have expertise in early childhood development and special education intervention, but do not have training in counseling, PCIT, or mental health therapy.

Is DI the same as applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy?

No. I use a play-based and caregiver-mediated approach with child goals based on family concerns. I use a blend of positive guidance methods and functional behavior assessment (discovering antecedents/triggers and consequences/reinforcers for challenging behavior). I have expertise in early childhood development and special education, but I am not a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA).

What methods do you use?

My professional training is in early childhood special education and I hold both my master’s and doctorate in special education. I use a variety of evidence-based and research-based special education methods that focus on play, child and family routines, and positive relationships.

• Play-based (learning experiences are based on child interests and internal motivation/enjoyment)

• Family-centered (family concerns guide outcomes and caregivers are active partners)

• Caregiver-mediated approach (I serve as a consultant and coach for families so parents can support their child in between sessions)

• Embedded instruction (learning opportunities are embedded within the child’s typical day using playtime, social interactions, and daily family routines)

• Strengths-based (building on what the child has already mastered and celebrating what makes each child unique)

• Additional information can be found on these research-based, early childhood special education recommended practices through the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) website.

Do you offer tele-health?

Yes. While it’s optimal to meet in person so we can make the most of the home environment and spontaneous, child-inspired play we can absolutely use tele-health if needed.

Do you accept insurance?

Unfortunately, I am unable to accept insurance at this time. Payments are made through a secure, online system that allows for credit card payments. Families receive a detailed invoice with all insurance codes needed to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement in the case that these services are covered. Families also can use health savings accounts (HSA) if this service is approved by your insurance. I’m happy to provide billing information prior to enrollment if you would like to confirm that your insurance plan covers behavioral intervention.