115 Session 4
Papers Topic - Family Quality of Life Advancing Comprehensive Early Childhood Intervention P4.04 Family Needs & Quality of Life
Presenting Author: Hollie Hix-Small (USA) Affiliation: Portland State University, Oregon Co-Author: Rusudan Bochorishvili
Family outcomes are considered integral to child outcomes. Enhancing family quality of life (FQoL) is a primary objective of early childhood intervention (ECI) services (Bailey et al., 2006; Epely et al., 2011; McWilliam, 2010). FQoL is considered an essential indicator of service quality and family-centered services (Bailey et al., 2006; Epely et al., 2011; García-Grau et al., 2019; McWilliam, 2010). There is a significant gap in research on FQoL in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) and insufficient pre- and in-service professional development focused on FQoL. Session participants will first be introduced to McWilliam’s and Garcia-Grau’s (2017) Families in Early Intervention Quality of Life (FEIQoL) scale to assess FQoL. Participants will then hear about family needs and the relevance of the FEIQoL in the Georgian context. Finally, information will be provided on how the FEIQoL scale can be used as a service equality indicator to guide pre- and in-service content. P4.05 Live Mindfully and With Kindness: Parents in Situations of Stress and Burnout Risk Presenting Author: Małgorzata Sekułowicz (Poland) Affiliation: Wrocław University of Health and Sport Sciences, Poland Co-Author: Sylwia Wrona Family quality of life is a crucial indicator of early intervention (EI) program effectiveness. Pau García (2015) highlights the importance of assessing it broadly, including emotional, physical, and social well-being, as well as parental autonomy. García’s research shows that family-centered interventions addressing parents’ daily needs significantly improve their quality of life and relationships. However, in Poland, adequate family care in EI remains a neglected area in both research and practice. This presentation presents findings from a study on parents of children with developmental disorders attending educational and therapeutic institutions offering early developmental support. The research analyzed parental well-being, focusing on quality of life, resilience, and social support, and assessed perceptions of cooperation with institutions. Results indicate diverse parental functioning, high stress, and burnout, underscoring the urgent need for support. Strategies for aiding parents in EI practices will also be discussed. P4.06 Overburden and Gender in Early Intervention: Implications for Well-Being and Family Reconciliation Presenting Author: Daniel Ordiñana Bellver (Spain) Affiliation: Campus Capacitas. Catholic University of Valencia, Spain Co-Authors: oana Calero Plaza, Claudia Escorcia Mora, Rómulo J. González García Early intervention (EI) is vital for the development of children with disabilities, but its implementation disproportionately burdens women, who often act as primary caregivers. This study analyzes women's roles in EI, focusing on their active involvement in accessing services, dedicating significant hours to caregiving, monitoring interventions, and facing professional consequences like job resignations or reduced working hours. These dynamics amplify women's central role in EI but also lead to emotional overload, parental stress, and challenges in balancing work and family life. Gendered burdens may include guilt or social isolation, highlighting the need for support networks, personalized interventions, and public policies to enhance caregivers' autonomy. Addressing these issues is critical not only to improve services for children but also to protect caregivers' psychological well-being. Strengthening EI systems can transform family dynamics, promote gender equity, and foster sustainable development for all involved.
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