Virginia Early Intervention
Professional Development Center

Functional Assessment

Path #1: Introduction to Functional Assessment

This learning path provides an overview of functional assessment. Topics include a definition, key components, and other introductory information related to the importance of using functional assessment throughout the early intervention process. GET STARTED

Path #2: A Continuous and Collaborative Process

This learning path illustrates how functional assessment (FA) is both a continuous and a collaborative process. Functional assessment is continous when service providers us it to gather information about the child and family throughout early intervention. When FA reflects a collaborative team process, it includes building and maintaining rapport and relationships among early intervention team members (i.e., the service coordinator, service providers and family members/caregivers). GET STARTED

Path #3: Functional Assessment During Naturally Occurring Learning Opportunities in Multiple Situations and Settings

This learning path focuses on two specific components of functional assessment: multiple situations and settings, and naturally occurring. The component “multiple situations and settings” includes a child’s functional skills in different places, activities, and people. The component “naturally occurring” refers to the activities and routines the child participates in that are unique to the family’s culture, community, and values. GET STARTED

Path #4: Observing, Listening and Asking Meaningful Questions

This learning path focuses on three specific components of functional assessment: observing, listening, and asking meaningful questions. Observing involves watching children and families in-person or on video, in the home and in other natural environments. Listening means connecting with the family to gain a comprehensive understanding of their priorities and concerns based on their resources, values, and culture. Asking meaningful questions helps promote a conversation with a family using open-ended questions to convey respect that enhances family-centered services. GET STARTED

Path #5: Analyzing Multiple Sources of Information

This learning path focuses on analyzing the information from all sources (parent report, observation, age-anchored assessment tool, clinical opinion, etc.) in order to understand the child’s functioning compared to same age peers. GET STARTED

Transition from Early Intervention Pathways

Path #1: Transition from Early Intervention

This learning path is designed to inform EI service coordinators and service providers about practices and requirements for ensuring a smooth transition for children and families when they leave early intervention. GET STARTED

Social Emotional Development

Path #1: Introduction to Social Emotional Development

This learning path provides an introduction of social emotional development. Topics include evidence-based research, a framework for infant mental health, and the importance of family, environment, experiences, and culture. GET STARTED

Path #2: Temperament

Zero to Three (2022), a global non-profit organization specializing in resources, research, and supports related to infants and toddlers (birth to age three) defines temperament as, “...a child’s personal ‘style’ – the way he or she experiences the world.” This learning path explores different types of temperaments and defining characteristics. Topics include an overview of temperament and strategies to assist early interventionists in their work. GET STARTED

Path #3: Understanding Behavior

This learning path provides a context for how social emotional development can influence behavior. Topics include understanding child behaviors, how challenging behaviors may manifest themselves in daily routines, and how to implement behavior management tools that are effective and supportive of the child. GET STARTED

Path #4: Attachment

Attachment describes a part of the relationship between a caregiver and child where the caregiver serves as the secure base for the child to feel loved, safe, and secure. This learning path provides an overview of attachment theory and strategies to nurture the caregiver-child relationship. Topics include attachment theory, attachment styles, the impact of attachment, and responsive care. GET STARTED

Path #5: Attunement and Responsive Interactions

This learning path provides a context for how attunement and responsive interactions influence brain development and infant mental health. Topics include serve and return interactions, misattunement, and building a child’s brain through responsive relationships. GET STARTED

Path #6: Trauma

Trauma can lead to negative consequences for a child’s future social and academic success later on in life. This learning path provides an overview of trauma and the potential impact on young children and their families. Topics include trauma and early childhood development, historical trauma, and understanding and building the capacity of caregivers to support their child. GET STARTED

Path #7: Stress and Trusting Relationships

Stress can negatively impact the child as well as the parent-child relationship. This learning path provides information on stress and the potential impact on families. Topics include toxic stress, trusting relationships, and strategies to support families. GET STARTED