Telepractice refers to the use of technology to deliver early childhood intervention services and supports at a distance. Telepractice can be combined with a suite means that early childhood intervention practitioners can deliver services and supports to children with developmental delay and/or disability, and their families, in a way that best suits their needs.
Using telepractice, early childhood intervention practitioners can deliver services in the child’s natural environment, such as a family’s home, and parents are able to incorporate the daily routines of their family into the session activities.
Telepractice allows families to take the lead in their interaction with their child during the session. By allowing families hands-on practice with activities and engaging with their child, parents and caregivers are better enabled to support their child’s development during every day routines. Families are left feeling confident and more likely to incorporate activities into daily routines.
Research has shown telepractice to be very effective in achieving optimised outcomes for children with developmental delay and/or disability, in a family centred way.