How does early intervention fit in? A look into the natural environment of a child with significant support needs experiencing homelessness

Williams, Crystal S.

Permalink

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/124269 Copy

Description

Title

How does early intervention fit in? A look into the natural environment of a child with significant support needs experiencing homelessness

Author(s)

Williams, Crystal S.

Issue Date

2024-04-18

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Ostrosky, Michaelene

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Ostrosky, Michaelene

Committee Member(s)

• Milagros Santos, Rosa
• Corr, Catherine
• Goodnight, Melissa

Department of Study

Special Education

Discipline

Special Education

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

• early intervention
• Part C
• significant support needs
• homelessness
• poverty

Abstract

Infants and toddlers with significant support needs (SSNs) are likely to receive early intervention (EI) services, which take place in the context of children’s natural environments. However, little is known about what the natural environment of children with SSNs looks like or how EI services for this population are implemented. This intrinsic case study explored the natural environment of one child with SSNs and how his EI services were embedded in his natural environment using multiple qualitative methods (observations, interviews, document review, auto-photography, and photo-elicitation). The case was made up of five family members and four EI providers who were on the child’s team. At the time of data collection, the family was experiencing homelessness. Using thematic analysis, seven themes were developed based on the data: (a) impacts of disability, poverty, and intersectionality, (b) the family’s planning and intentionality, (c) positivity and acceptance, (d) the context of expertise, (e) a continuum of practices, (f) the importance of the mom’s role, and (g) the challenge with the family’s circumstances. Implications relate to the need to be responsive to families’ intersecting identities in research and practice, as well as the need for improved coordination between systems that families are involved in.

Graduation Semester

2024-05

Type of Resource

Thesis

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2024 Crystal Williams

Owning Collections