Developing Local Capacity to Individualize Early Intervention Services to the Needs of All Families

The Challenge

Leaders in Ohio noticed striking data around the health disparities for infants and toddlers especially among families of color, families experiencing poverty and homelessness, and parents with intellectual disabilities. They decided that they needed to bolster their existing family centered practices and training for early intervention coordinators across the state.

The Client

Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities; Ohio Department of Children and Youth

What We Did

AnLar facilitated focus groups and interviews with Ohio families and Early intervention practitioners to understand the common barriers they experienced. Based on feedback received through the focus groups, AnLar developed a six unit asynchronous online training with an accompanying workbook, and a community of practice series. The training focused on historical and systemic barriers faced by families of color, families experiencing poverty and homelessness, and parents with intellectual disabilities. The training provided guidance on how to individualize support and promote allyship to better serve all families. AnLar piloted the training and community of practice with a group of Early intervention Coordinators across the state. This pilot was such a success AnLar presented this project alongside our Ohio client at the 2023 Division for Early Childhood Conference.

Ohio extended this partnership and AnLar created a 2-day, in-person, train-the-trainer package on developing high-quality Individualized Family Service Plans and follow up virtual webinars.

Service Areas

Technical Assistance