Enhancing Service Coordination Knowledge Through Professional Development

All eligible infants and toddlers who receive early intervention services under Part C of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act are entitled to service coordination. To examine the effectiveness of one state's service coordination training and its impact on knowledge and skill development, a pretest-posttest design with follow-up survey was employed. Thirty-nine service coordinators and other early intervention practitioners participated in the 2-day Kaleidoscope, New Perspectives in Service Coordination-Level I training. Participation in training resulted in significant increases in knowledge about service coordination practices. Survey respondents reported that they perceived the training to be useful and that their knowledge related to what they learned had improved. Respondents also indicated needs for further resources and training in providing effective service coordination to children and families. Implications for professional development in service coordination are discussed.