Early Childhood Intervention in Greece: Current Practices and Future Directions

The development of a comprehensive and efficient Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) system has been a priority in Greece in recent years. In this article, we review the history, culture, and sociopolitical context of ECI in Greece. Current ECI services, programs, and practices are described in-light of new legislation delineating the provision of family-centered ECI services. While the key characteristics of ECI are highlighted in current ECI policy including the provision of services that are inclusive, family-centered, and research-based, we discuss major challenges to effective implementation. These involve the lack of a unified national policy that clearly delineates essential components of ECI and recommended practices, and the limited systems for evaluating implementation fidelity and monitoring quality improvement. We propose a set of future directions including the need to (1) establish a national ECI policy that provides a clear and operational definition of ECI; (2) develop ECI quality standards to guide the implementation of recommended ECI practices; (3) create a comprehensive system for personnel development to enhance the knowledge, skills and competencies of professionals across disciplines; (4) generate research and build an evaluation system for systematically monitoring the implementation of ECI services; (5) ensure that all ECI services and supports are provided within children’s and families’ natural environments; (6) strengthen coordination mechanisms across sectors; (7) develop a sustainable funding mechanism; and (8) enhance family participation across all parts of the ECI system.