Curtiss, Sarah L.McBride, Brent A.Uchima, KellyLaxman, Dan J.Santos, Rosa M.Weglarz-Ward, JennaKern, Justin2021-12-172021-12-172019-01-01Curtiss, 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/10.1177/02711214198448291538-4845https://udspace.udel.edu/handle/19716/29646Author's submitted version (accepted for publication)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.Disability populationsEarly education programsChildren with disabilitiesIntervention strategiesAt risk of developmental delays/disabilitiesArticle10.1177/0271121419844829