Family-centeredness in Early Education Programs for Children with Hearing Loss

Family outcomes have been found to be a critical component of outcomes for children (Calderon & Greenburg, 1999). This study of North Carolina's Early Education Program for children with hearing loss examines family-centeredness and its variants. Perceptions of families of children with hearing-loss are examined through the "lens" of family-centeredness. Possible influencing factors such as age, severity of hearing-loss, methodology and service delivery were also examined. While the small sample size prevented, as is common in studies of this population, inferential statistics from being used, the research yielded useful descriptive information. Four themes emerged: programs need to focus on family needs and concerns when developing program and assessments for their child; programs need to be sure families understand and are active in the development of their child's IFSP/IEP; service providers need to consider the families' needs, resources, and concerns; and primary service providers need to assure programs are coordinated, with easily accessible information about all types of available services.