92 Session 8
Symposia S8.01 Advancing Evidence-Based Early Childhood Intervention in the Western Balkans Symposium Organizer: Snezana Ilic (Serbia) Affiliation: Faculty of Special Education and Rehabilitation This symposium highlights efforts to develop evidence-based Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) practices in Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. With support from Eurlyaid and UNICEF, these initiatives aim to address systemic challenges and uphold the right to quality ECI as outlined in international frameworks such as the UNCRPD, UNCRC, EPSR, and SDGs. Despite progress, key barriers still need to be addressed, including the persistence of outdated rehabilitative and medical models, weak cross-sectoral coordination, limited professional training, and gaps in understanding evidence-based ECI principles. These obstacles hinder the availability, accessibility, and affordability of comprehensive, family-centered ECI services across the region. The symposium will present transformative efforts undertaken in each country to address these challenges, focusing on shifting towards modern, inclusive, and family-centered approaches. Practical examples and case studies will demonstrate how intersectoral collaboration, professional development, and adherence to evidence-based practices contribute to improving developmental outcomes and enhancing family support systems. Contributing Papers Building a Family-Centered Early Childhood Intervention Framework in Serbia Presenting Author: Snezana Ilic (Serbia) Affiliation: Faculty of Special Education and Rehabilitation Montenegro’s Journey to a Family-Centered Early Childhood Intervention System Presenting Author: Danijela Femic (Montenegro) Affiliation: Health Centre in Bijelo Polje Shaping a Family-Centered Early Childhood Intervention System: North Macedonia’s Development Plan Presenting Authors: Vesna Kostic Ivanovic, Goran Petrusev (North Macedonia) Affiliation: Towards a Family-Centered Early Childhood Intervention System in Croatia Advancing Comprehensive Early Childhood Intervention
Presenting Author: Silvija Pucko (Croatia) Affiliation: MURID Early Intervention Center
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