Training needs in family-centered practices for Spanish Early Childhood Intervention professionals

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. In Spain, nowadays it is easy to find Early Intervention (EI) professionals who are experiencing a transformation process towards family-centered, developed-in-the-environment practices. Other professionals are willing to start the process. However, a professional training plan that could cover the training needs on this intervention approach has not yet been developed . We present the results of a study focused on family-centered practice training needs done with a group of experienced professionals in EI. Its goal is to identify and analyse what aspects professionals consider crucial for their professional training in this topic. Evidences found will enable us to plan the training contents that, later on, could be implemented and assessed. METHOD. A total of 121 professionals, from 13 different Spanish Autonomous Communities, assessed different training topics through a questionnaire that contained 23-items. These professionals had an average working experience of 9.64 years in EI; 79.34% of the respondents had more than 4 years of experience in this field. Most of them had some previous knowledge on family-centered practices. RESULTS. Results have made it possible to establish professionals’ ratings about the main areas of interest for family-centered practice training. Results did not depend on their years of professional experience or Autonomous Community. DISCUSSION. Four blocks with different training contents to develop were identified. Training utility was also discussed so that it could ease the transition towards family-centered practice, as well as the need for strategies such as reflexive supervision to contribute to professional development and growth.