Evidence-Based Early Childhood Interventions

Evidence-Based Early Childhood Interventions: Quick Guide for Family-Centered Practice This quick-reference guide summarizes evidence-based early childhood interventions used to support children birth to six years old. These approaches emphasize play, family engagement, and natural environment teaching, aligning with About Play’s mission and family-centered values. 1. Developmental Skill-Building Interventions • Milestone-Based Developmental Activities – promoting age-appropriate cognitive, communication, and adaptive skills. • Scaffolded Play – adjusting task difficulty to match developmental level. • Natural Environment Teaching (NET) – embedding learning into daily routines. • Prompting and Fading – supporting independence gradually. • Task Analysis & Chaining – breaking complex skills into teachable steps. 2. Communication & Language Interventions • Modeling & Expansion – building on children’s words. • Mand-Model Procedures – prompting communication naturally. • PECS – visual communication for nonverbal children. • Sign Language / Gestural Cues – encouraging multimodal expression. • Shared Storybook Reading – supporting vocabulary and engagement. • Incidental Teaching – using spontaneous opportunities for learning. 3. Social-Emotional & Behavioral Interventions • Positive Behavior Support (PBS) – proactive and data-driven strategies. • Functional Communication Training (FCT) – teaching appropriate communication. • Zones of Regulation – identifying and managing emotions. • Play-Based Social Skills – modeling sharing and cooperation. • Visual Schedules & First/Then Boards – building predictability. • Sensory Regulation Tools – calming strategies for self-regulation. 4. Cognitive & School-Readiness Interventions • Early Literacy Activities – songs, letters, and phonemic awareness. • Pre-Numeracy Play – counting, sorting, and matching. • Executive Functioning Games – memory, problem-solving, and attention. • Hands-On Learning Centers – exploration through play. • Following Directions Practice – embedding instructions in fun play. 5. Motor & Sensory Interventions • Tummy Time & Crawling Activities – building strength and coordination. • Manipulative Play – fine motor development with tools and toys. • Obstacle Courses – enhancing balance and gross motor planning. • Sensory Integration Play – textures, sand, water, and movement. • Movement Songs & Yoga – promoting mindfulness and body awareness. 6. Family Coaching & Support Interventions • Routine-Based Intervention (RBI) – embedding learning into family routines. • Parent-Mediated Coaching – modeling and feedback during sessions. • Goal-Setting via IFSP – individualized, measurable outcomes. • Video Modeling & Feedback – promoting caregiver awareness. • Building Caregiver Confidence – celebrating family success. 7. Inclusive & Culturally Responsive Interventions • Culturally Adapted Play Materials – reflecting family traditions and culture. • Language-Responsive Teaching – integrating home language. • Strengths-Based Family Engagement – partnering with caregivers. • Community Resource Linkage – connecting families with needed supports. 8. Evidence-Based Early Intervention Models • Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) • DIR/Floortime (Developmental, Individual-Differences, Relationship-Based) • Pivotal Response Training (PRT) • Hanen 'It Takes Two to Talk' • Project ImPACT • Responsive Teaching Personal Examples & Notes • ___________________________________________________________ • ___________________________________________________________ • ___________________________________________________________ • ___________________________________________________________