Supporting Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Families in Early Intervention

This report examines two central themes of providing family-centered early intervention services to culturally and linguistically diverse families, including: (a) viewing home language use as a family strength, and (b) learning about family culture and values to provide appropriate caregiver training. Challenges to embedding home language and culture in early intervention are discussed. The importance of supporting home language and how to systematically do so in intervention is explained. The Family Values and Activities Interview, an ethnographic interview, can be used to learn about family culture, values, and activities, and plan for intervention. A protocol of the Family Values and Activities Interview is included.