Coaching Via Telepractice in Early Intervention: Providers’ Preferences and Perspectives

The use of telepractice in early intervention (EI) has grown since the COVID-19 pandemic. Current research reveals several benefits and challenges when using telepractice. One benefit is that telepractice facilitates the use of caregiver coaching practices, which are recommended in the field. We qualitatively analyzed open-ended survey responses and interview data to understand providers’ perspectives about coaching via two models, telepractice versus in-person. We developed eight themes that answer our research questions: participants’ preferences and decisions between the two models (preference for a hybrid model, balancing multiple priorities when making decisions about service delivery), benefits of telepractice (flexibility in scheduling and location, increased routines-based intervention, enhanced family engagement, health and safety), and challenges of telepractice (families who desire or need in-person sessions, logistical issues). We discuss the promise of a hybrid model and decisions/misconceptions about service delivery format, including practical and systemic implications to address these issues.