Strengths and Challenges of Service Coordination in Eight States

A survey was distributed in 8 states to learn about perceived strengths and challenges of service coordination from those working in early intervention (EI) programs under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Survey responses from 769 service coordinators and other EI personnel in 8 states provide an overview of state systems and the implementation of service coordination activities within these state EI systems. Respondents suggested that service coordinators experience the following needs: (1) balancing the workload by reducing the number of families served per service coordinator and decreasing the amount of paperwork; (2) improved compensation and funding; and (3) better and more frequent training opportunities. Findings from this survey were analyzed and used by representatives from participating states to determine state and national action plans for improving the professional development and identity of service coordinators, with the goal of prioritizing support for this important part of the early childhood intervention workforce.