Correlates of child and family outcomes in an Australian community-based early childhood intervention program

Abstract

Background Early childhood intervention (ECI) program outcomes remain relatively under-researched. The aim of this study was twofold: (1) to describe outcomes in children and families participating in an Australian ECI service; and (2) to explore child, family, and program characteristics as correlates of these outcomes.Method Twenty-nine families of children with disability were recruited into the study and completed measures of family outcomes, accommodations to disability, perceptions of ECI process of care, and supports received. ECI key workers provided child outcome ratings.Results Associations among disability type, child health, and overall child outcomes were revealed. Process of care was only related to children's social relations outcomes. Family outcomes were positively associated with child care attendance, family-centred practice, and parenting support.Conclusions A range of factors in association with outcomes for both children with disabilities and their families need to be considered in designing practices, policies, and research efforts.