Understanding Provider Attitudes Regarding Father Involvement in Early Intervention
Date
2019-01-01
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
SAGE
Abstract
Public and research interest in fathers as active parents has increased dramatically with
considerable attention given to father involvement in direct child-rearing activities; however,
mothers continue to be the most likely participants in early intervention services. Using thematic
analysis we explored providers’ perceptions (n = 511) of father involvement in early intervention
regarding (a) the impact of increased father involvement; (b) how father involvement could be
increased; and (c) the role of culture in father involvement. Providers believed more involvement
was better and identified several ways in which fathers made and difference. Some providers
believed it was not in their hands to increase involvement; however, other providers identified
system-level and direct approaches. Providers preponderantly reported culture as a barrier to
involvement but there were notable exceptions. We recommend providers receive professional
development to support family-centered philosophies and practices that are inclusive of father
involvement.
Description
Author's submitted version (accepted for publication)
Keywords
Disability populations, Early education programs, Children with disabilities, Intervention strategies, At risk of developmental delays/disabilities
Citation
Curtiss, S.L., McBride, B.A., Uchima, K., Laxman, D. J., Santos, R. M., Weglarz-Ward, J., & Kern, J. (2019). Understanding provider perspectives: Father involvement in early intervention. Topics in Early Childhood Special Education, Online first. https://doi.org/10.1177/0271121419844829