Formulating the centrality of relationships in early intervention: An organizational perspective

In this article, the construct of centrality of relationships is framed as a new organizing principle for the field of early intervention. Centrality of relationships, broadly defined as the integration of relationship-based concepts at all service levels, exemplifies an emerging, fundamental reconceptualization of services. The changes represent a shift from developmental-deficit-based principles to relationship-based organizing principles that require reformulating intervention approaches and program models. This perspective stresses the commonalities across disciplines that unify the work of early interventionists. Key qualities of leadership, flexibility, support, and teamwork, necessary for program development, are elaborated. Finally, implications for system-level support, efficacy research, and personnel preparation are discussed.