Why Live Virtual Visits?
As we are solidly in year three of the pandemic, we can see the positive impact
live virtual visits have had on families whose children receive Early Intervention. What began as
a tool of necessity to maintain safety has become an invaluable method that
promotes coaching and family-centered care. In Early Intervention (EI), we believe
parents are the experts on helping their child. They have the most
impact on their child’s development. During the live virtual coaching process,
parents become equipped to teach their child new skills as they are guided in a
gentle, non-judgmental manner by the EI therapist.
There are many benefits to using a coaching approach
in EI. Research has shown coaching to be effective in helping children meet
developmental goals.
Coaching helps parents and primary caregivers:
- Develop skills to interact with their child in
ways that support the child’s development.
- Understand
the reason for and impact of these interactions.
- Identify
strategies that can be used in daily routines, practice strategies in
front of the provider, reflect on interactions with their child,
problem-solve challenges and receive supportive feedback.
- Develop the
skills and confidence to use the strategies and interventions on their
own, so they can help their child learn new skills even when the EI
provider isn’t there.
Benefits of telehealth
include:
- Fewer people
coming into the home, resulting in less exposure to germs.
- Flexible
scheduling, making it easier to target times of the day when more help is
needed, such as meals or nap time.
- Both parents
and/or caregivers may be able to participate from different locations.
- Due to extensive need and wait lists, live virtual visits offer more immediate access to important, time-sensitive therapy supports!
Need a tablet or internet access?
To learn about Early Intervention's technology loan program please click here.
Your
service coordinator wants to know how therapies are going! Please keep in
contact with us if you have any questions or concerns.
