Assessing Early Intervention Provider Needs: Insights from One State

A statewide needs assessment was conducted with early interventionists to gather information on perceived professional development (PD) needs. Across 3 years, 4,455 early interventionists responded to an online survey. Data were analyzed for reported needs on PD topics in seven broad areas related to early intervention processes and content. Differences were found on the basis of participants' geographical location, years of experience working in early intervention, and professional discipline. Results revealed that respondents in one geographical location of the state, and respondents with fewer years of early intervention experience, reported statistically significant higher PD needs for six of the seven topical areas. Implications for future needs assessments, PD, and research are discussed.