A competency-based training program in early intervention.

This paper describes a federally funded training program developed to prepare entry-level occupational therapists to deliver early intervention services. The program had two phases. Phase I was designed to provide occupational therapy supervisors with advanced skills for supervising and teaching the students about the provision of early intervention services. These skills were specific supervisory strategies and learning techniques designed to facilitate optimal communication between the student, the supervisor, and the academic faculty members, as well as to facilitate consistency of information between workshops and practices in the clinic. Phase II involved a 12-week clinical fieldwork experience for the students in an early intervention program combined with didactic programs at the university. Both supervisors and students provided feed-back on the program. Supervisors reported that the training strengthened their supervisory skills and techniques. Students reported that the training helped them to clarify the role of occupational therapy in early intervention and that they had developed skills critical to providing family-centered early intervention. These skills included both providing direct treatment to children and working in partnership with families and caregivers.