Coaching is an essential part to early intervention. It is my belief that coaching should be done within the family's natural environment and routines. In my approach to coaching I like to start by giving verbal instruction on the intervention strategies we are going to work on. I then give the family the opportunity to try it out on their own. If they feel they need me to model the strategy first, I always give them that option as well. As the family tries out the intervention strategy, I provide positive feedback as well as some suggestions as opportunities appear. After some time of trying the strategy, I like to debrief with the family on what went well and what they would have liked to change during the interaction. This reflection time allows me to work through any struggles the family may have had. At this point I might model the strategy as well and then debrief with them about what went well and what didn't during my interaction as well. To end a coaching session I always ask the family what they plan to work on between visits and to think of a time when they want to try it out. This leaves them with a plan in place to really focus on one or two of the strategies. I believe coaching should be a safe and positive interaction and feel that my approach to it allows it to be just that.
The following is the coaching fidelity checklist I used while in the early intervention certificate program to reflect on my coaching videos.