SATISFACTION AND STRUGGLES - FAMILY PERCEPTIONS OF EARLY INTERVENTIONSERVICES

One method of evaluating early intervention services is to ask its con sumers. The mixed-method approach in this study involved a written sur vey (quantitative) and in-depth, semi-structured interviews (qualitati ve). The survey was completed by 539 parents of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers receiving any type of early intervention service. Result s showed overwhelming satisfaction with most services, but some concer ns were noted in the choices of available mainstreaming options. Inter views showed that families ascribed most of their positive experiences to the supportive behaviors of individual professionals. Bad experien ces were most often related to difficulties in finding out about, gett ing, and monitoring services. Families spent much time and energy in s ecuring more services, particularly therapies, for their children. The discussion focuses on implications for family-centered services and f or providing specialized services.