A focus on the collaboration efforts between Early Head Start (EHS) and other programs providing Part C services
Date
2000
Authors
Naig, Lisa Ann
Major Professor
Advisor
McBride, Susan L.
Committee Member
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Abstract
This study focused on the collaboration efforts between Early Head Start (EHS) Programs and other programs providing Part C services for the Iowa state system of early intervention (Early Access). Early Head Start can be a service provider for Part C services but cannot take sole responsibility for serving children, birth through 3 years, with special needs and their families. Therefore, other programs that specifically serve this population must be involved. The study examined how the programs are integrating their services to serve children with special needs and their families. This study used qualitative methods to describe the efforts of collaboration between the Early Head Start (EHS) Programs and the Part C Programs from three sites in Iowa. Interviews were conducted with families being dually served, as well as, the direct service providers and local administrators from each program. The interview questions addressed collaboration efforts related to (a) recruitment and referral of children with special needs, (b) the family and child assessment process, and (c) service delivery from both programs. The service providers and local administrators also addressed training, committee membership, and interagency agreements. After organizing the interviews into program profiles and family case studies, the findings were summarized in a table and a model of collaboration was applied.
Findings from this study suggest that collaboration between the EHS and Part C programs is not apparent through all levels of the programs (families, service providers, and administrators). For the most part, the service providers from both programs who were directly involved with the families were working independently in regard to assessment and service delivery. However, at the administrative level, collaboration was suggested through membership on each other's committees and other community partnerships.
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