Step 1.2 Incorporate specific toddler and family factors in goal development
Incorporate the toddler's strengths, interests, as well as family preferences and values, into the development of goals and objectives when planning PRT. It is important to identify areas of need as well as the strengths of the toddler. PRT researchers and clinicians recommend a strength-based, naturalistic approach to assessment and intervention. Strengths should be capitalized on when developing goals, objectives, and intervention plans.
Review examples of strength-based assessment and intervention planning for a toddler
EXAMPLE: If a non-verbal toddler sometimes shouts out labels in a favorite TV show, this is where communication or language intervention might begin.
Developing the intervention plan should also focus on the contextual fit of the intervention objectives and the family’s needs. Instead of simply requiring a family to adapt to the intervention procedures and goals, make explicit efforts to adapt the intervention to various family contexts. Families differ in many ways, and goal development should attempt to fit into differing family contexts.
For instance, if a family has a newborn on the way, the play objectives may change to increasing independent, functional play (or play with an older sibling), instead of increasing turn taking during social games with a parent.