Coaching Families from Underserved Communities in Early Intervention

Caregiver coaching serves as an approach to meeting the needs of families from underserved communities receiving EI by promoting family engagement and empowerment as well as children’s development and acquisition of new skills. Through the intentional implementation of culturally responsive and trauma-informed coaching practices, OT practitioners are particularly well-positioned to address and reduce health and trauma disparities. This is even more critical nowadays given that health disparities have widened and the high rate of children experiencing trauma. This interactive workshop will equip OT practitioners with an understanding and application of coaching families from underserved communities. It will offer concrete strategies for practitioners to draw from, opportunities to practice and discuss strategies through case studies, and time to reflect and create an action plan.