Thinking Outside the Fridge: Supporting Families in Early Intervention

Early Intervention Feeding: Coaching Families to Success Speaker: April Anderson, MA, CCC-SLP, IBCLC Course Description In Washington, DC providers are expected to implement the early childhood coaching model as described by Rush and Sheldon (2011). The key concepts of this model focus on growing the capacity of the caregivers through a “coach” and “coachee” dynamic that allows caregivers to more effectively carryover therapy strategies in the child’s natural environment. In feeding therapy in particular, success is seen when families demonstrate confidence, commitment to the goals, and are able to implement strategies across the week. This can reduce the amount of time a child may spend receiving early intervention services. Using this model, providers are able to create a joint plan with strategies to practice between sessions, observe and give feedback on strategies, and offer reflection and problem solving solutions with caregivers. A child eats or drinks several times throughout