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Review of best practice in early childhood intervention: summary paper
Researchers from the University of Melbourne are leading a consortium of partners to review best practice in early childhood intervention in Australia. The review will produce a best practice framework, resources and tools to help practitioners, professionals and families ensure all children with developmental concerns, delay or disability have the best possible start in life.
This project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services. It involves a review of best practice in early intervention for children with developmental concerns, delay or disability in Australia and around the world. Most importantly, the review will consult with families, young people with disability and professionals and practitioners to hear their views about what works best for children and families.
The results of these processes be combined to produce a Best Practice Framework, along with resources and tools to help practitioners and families understand the framework and how to use it in their everyday practice and lives.
The project brings together academic and clinical expertise, international experts and leaders, and the lived experience of families and communities across the country, including First Nations communities.
The aim of this paper is to provide a summary and analysis of the implications generated from the literature findings for professionals, organisations, professional groups, policy makers and researchers who will be taking part in the consultations led by PRECI. These will, in turn, inform the development of the ECI practice framework.
Four key areas were identified as having important implications for the development of an ECI practice framework:
1) ECI aim, principles and practice;
2) outcomes of ECI;
3) understandings of best practice; and
4) theory to practice: tools, resources, and professional development.
Each of these areas will serve as points of discussion during consultations. They are described here to generate reflection to ensure the perspectives of all participating stakeholders have been heard.
