Director(s): Virginia Reynolds
Contact(s): Virginia Reynolds,

Project Description: A critical component of an effective early intervention system is the assignment of qualified and appropriately trained personnel. The provision of early intervention services in California involves multiple agencies and a variety of professional disciplines. The Early Start Personnel Model, recommended by the State Interagency Coordinating Council on Early Intervention in 1994, includes an authorization process that recognizes the value of personnel in current practice so California does not lose the knowledge and skills of personnel with many years of experience, as well as a multidisciplinary and multiple pathways approach to early intervention that is unique in the nation.

In 2004, recommended personnel competences were added to reflect relationship-based services; evidence- and research-based practice; and services in natural environments (the everyday routines, relationships, activities, places, and partnerships in which typically developing children and families spend their time). WestEd CPEI is partnering with the University Center on Excellence in Developmental Disabilities to update the current recommendations to include early mental health competencies.

WestEd staff involved with this project:

• Virginia Reynolds, Director, Center for Prevention & Early Intervention
  
• Kari Stewart, Program Associate