Challenging Behavior Interventions in Home-Based Early Childhood Services: A Qualitative Study Exploring Staff Experiences

Abstract

Young children with developmental delays are at a higher risk for engaging in challenging behaviors than their typically developing peers. Children with developmental delays, age 0 to 36 months old, are eligible to receive IDEA Part C services. The present study aimed to explore staff experiences related to current practices, resources and barriers, and characteristics of prospective interventions in the context of challenging behavior interventions. We conducted interviews with seven participants who worked in Part C services. EI Professionals reported using effective coaching strategies with caregivers and delivering antecedent interventions to prevent challenging behavior. Several resource constraints were identified and findings highlighted the importance of identifying and evaluating interventions that fit within the Part C service delivery model. For novel interventions, it is important to develop interventions that are simple, adaptable, effective, and require little time. Future research is needed to expand upon the preliminary findings from the present study.

Keywords

challenging behavior developmental delay early intervention home visiting,IDEA Part C

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