Family Outcomes in a Growth and Development Model. Technical Report #7.

This paper reports on the development of a set of four family outcomes concerned with the measurement of child growth and development as part of a 5-year project by the Early Childhood Research Institute on Measuring Growth and Development to develop a comprehensive assessment model for young children, birth to age 8, with disabilities. It first lists 11 family outcomes identified as a result of interviews with parents of children with disabilities. It then explains the four outcomes selected to be part of the model: (1) families will have a basic understanding of child development and will be able to identify needs for their child, including those related to cultural, linguistic or disability specific issues; (2) families will be able to assess how their child's development is progressing related to general outcomes identified on the Individualized Education Program/Individual Family Service Plan; (3) families will be confident in their abilities to make choices about interventions for their child and will be able to implement those interventions effectively; and (4) families will feel that their beliefs and values are respected by other members of their child's team and will see themselves as equal and integral members. Future research plans include validation of the four outcomes and selection of additional outcomes. (DB)