Part 1: Koel is an 11-month-old who is a member of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians. He resides in the Upper Peninsula with his father, mother, and four siblings. Koel is the youngest child. Koel was diagnosed with four different challenges, including Cornelia de Lange syndrome, autism, laryngomalacia, and a condition related to the TAF1 gene. Koel's mother completed a self-referral for Early On evaluation. By the time he was four months old, Koel was receiving services that included home health nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech, and special education. Life included round-the-clock oxygen and monitoring, along with thickened food and other adjustments to help him eat and grow. Koel's mother has been by his side through multiple hospitalizations and therapy sessions and both parents worked to master feeding and positioning techniques.

Addressing Koel's complex needs has impacted his family in several ways. His mother sold her business because she no longer had the time to devote to it. Koel's dad struggles with how to help his son and support him to get better and his mom describes him as somber and disinterested in play. In addition, Koel's three-year-old brother vies for attention. Koel's family would like to focus on developing a stronger bond with Koel, learn ways to support his development at home, and ideas for family activities. Specifically for Koel, IFSP outcomes will focus on building his core strength, tracking with his eyes, turning his head, and general engagement. Both parents wonder if he'll be able to attend an early childhood program with other children.

Koel and his family receive Early ON services and support form multiple early intervention providers.

What are ways you (as the Early Head Start Home Visitor) can actively and meaningfully involve the family in assessment, planning, and intervention services?