A strategic planning activity by the National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center: www.nectac.org1Resources: Illinois Evidence-Based Practices in Natural Learning Environments TrainingMarch 2005Journal ArticlesBernheimer, L. P., & Keogh, B. K. (1995). Weaving interventions into the fabric of everyday life: An approach to family assessment. Topics in Early Childhood Special Education. 15(4), 415-433.In response to legislative mandates, the focus in early childhood special education has shifted from the child to the child in the context of the family. This shift has major implications for assessment and for intervention. An ecocultural approach for assessing families of young children with developmental problems is described, focusing on the importance of incorporating information about families daily routines and accommodations to their children. Case material from the REACH and CHILD projects is used for illustration and clarification. Implications of the ecocultural approach for assessment and intervention are discussed. Family-centered practices; Service delivery practices/intervention strategiesCampbell, S. (1997) Therapy programs for children that last a lifetime. Physical and Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics. 7(1) 1-15.Adults with myelodysplasia or cerebral palsy have recently had the opportunity to share their experiences in coping with secondary disabling conditions that decrease quality of life. The research literature documents their concerns regarding musculoskeletal impairments, low self-esteem, and poor educational and vocational attainment. Effective programs to prevent these problems are needed. Observations are provided regarding practices in therapeutic intervention programs that may contribute to development of the problems adults with disabilities describe. Recommendations for improving clinical practice to prevent secondary disabilities include emphasis on educating clients to take personal responsibility for health, physical fitness, and motor learning. Service delivery practices/intervention strategies; Outcomes/benefits/effectivenessDarrah, J., Law, M., & Pollock, N. (2001). Family-centered functional therapy A choice for children with motor dysfunction. Infants and Young Children, 13(4), 79-87.The neuromaturational theoretical framework has dominated therapeutic interventions used with children with motor dysfunction for the past 40 years. Therapists are now considering other theories to guide their management strategies. Factors that have influenced this philosophical attitude change include models of disablement, the opinions of people with disabilities, a paucity of research to support current intervention techniques, the principles of family-centered care, and the application of dynamic systems theory to motor development. Family-centered functional therapy, a new model of practice based on tenets derived from family-centered philosophy and dynamic systems theory, has been introduced. This model stipulates that parents must be included in the identification of functional goals for their children and suggests that attributes that help or hinder successful achievement of a goal must be identified from the task and the environment as well as within the child. The results of pilot work with 12 children with cerebral palsy and their families to evaluate the feasibility of the therapy are presented. Areas for further evaluation and development are identified. Family-centered practices; Service delivery practices/intervention strategiesDunst, C. J. (2000). Revisiting “Rethinking early intervention.” Topics in Early Childhood Special Education, 20 (2), 95-104. http:/www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0HDG/is_2_20/ai_68206914A social support and social systems approach to early intervention proposed some 15 years ago is revisited in light of changes and advances during the intervening years. Major components of the model are reviewed, reflections and revisions are presented, and the future use of the model is discussed. The contention that early intervention should include a rich array of child, parent and family supports (experiences, opportunities, etc.) remains a central tenet of the model. The paper concludes with an overview of a “third generation” model integrating new evidence for studying and practicing family systems intervention. Family-centered practices; Service delivery practices/intervention strategiesHanft, B., & Pilkington, K. (2000). Therapy in natural environments: The means or end goal for early intervention? Infants and Young Children, 12(4), 1-13.Collaboration between therapists and caregivers within natural environments such as homes, child care settings A strategic planning activity by the National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center: www.nectac.org2and neighborhood recreation centers is the key to providing quality, family-centered care. How therapy is provided in these natural environments is just as importan