Understanding Provider Attitudes Regarding Father Involvement in Early Intervention

The interest in fathers as active parents has increased dramatically over the past 30 years among researchers and the popular press with considerable attention given to direct child-rearing activities; however, mothers continue to be the most likely participants in early intervention (EI) services....

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Bibliographic Details
Published inTopics in early childhood special education Vol. 41; no. 2; pp. 147 - 159
Main Authors Curtiss, Sarah L., McBride, Brent A., Uchima, Kelly, Laxman, Dan J., Santos, Rosa M., Weglarz-Ward, Jenna, Kern, Justin
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.08.2021
SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
SAGE Publications and Hammill Institute on Disabilities
Subjects
Allied Health Personnel
Attitudes
Barriers
Cultural Influences
Developmental disabilities
Early childhood education
Early Intervention
Family Environment
Family Relationship
Fathers
Gender Differences
Parent Participation
Parent Role
Preschool Teachers
Role
Special education
Students with disabilities
early education programs
intervention strategies
disability populations
father
children with disabilities
family-centered
at risk of developmental delays/disabilities
families
partnerships with professionals
parents
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Summary:The interest in fathers as active parents has increased dramatically over the past 30 years among researchers and the popular press with considerable attention given to direct child-rearing activities; however, mothers continue to be the most likely participants in early intervention (EI) services. Using thematic analysis, we explored providers’ perceptions (N = 511) of father involvement in EI regarding (a) the impact of increased father involvement, (b) how father involvement could be increased, and (c) the role of culture in father involvement. Providers believed more involvement was better and identified several ways in which fathers made a difference. Some providers believed it was not in their hands to increase involvement; however, other providers identified systems-level and direct approaches. Providers preponderantly reported culture as a barrier to involvement but there were notable exceptions. We recommend providers receive professional development to support family-centered philosophies and practices that are inclusive of fathers.
ISSN:0271-1214
1538-4845
DOI:10.1177/0271121419844829