ERIC Number: EJ695694
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2004
Pages: 14
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0271-1214
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Available Date: N/A
Supporting Families: A Preschool Model
Kaczmarek, Louise A.; Goldstein, Howard; Florey, John Douglas; Carter, Aurelia; Cannon, Sheila
Topics in Early Childhood Special Education, v24 n4 p213-226 Win 2004
The Family-Centered Preschool Model is a family support model for center-based preschool programs. The model utilizes family consultants-parents of children with disabilities-to augment the support provided by classroom professionals. Family consultants coordinate and facilitate formal and informal family supports, maintain a close liaison with classroom program staff, and represent parents on district/agency and community boards, councils, task forces, and advisory committees. Family supports include linking families to community resources, providing requested information through a variety of formats, assisting families in various aspects of the special education process (e.g., Individualized Education Program meetings), and helping families in the transition to school-age programs. The model includes a curriculum for the initial training of family consultants, staff training, and materials to support the functions of the family consultants. The model was implemented for 5 years in an urban school district, and evaluation data from family and staff interviews identified some of the benefits. The authors also provide recommendations for adoption of the model.
Descriptors: Family Support, Consultants, Urban Schools, Individualized Instruction, Individualized Education Programs, Family Programs, Community Resources, Advisory Committees, Disabilities
PRO-ED, Inc., 8700 Shoal Creek Boulevard, Austin, TX 78757-6897. Tel: 800-897-3202 (Toll Free).
Publication Type: Journal Articles
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A