@conference{
author = "Hix-Small, Hollie and Ilić, Snežana",
year = "2017",
abstract = "Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) services help ensure fulfilment of
internationally mandated rights, strengthen inclusive societies, and support
children and families. This situation analysis, jointly supported by the Early
Childhood Program of Open Society Foundations and UNICEF Serbia,
examined the status of ECI services in Serbia. The analysis was part of a
project to identify opportunities for the development of ECI in the country.
A primarily quantitative, mixed-method approach documented existing
ECI infrastructure and service provision. Data were collected from a focus
group with parents, field observations, and interviews with key stakeholders
belonging to Health, Education, and Social Welfare sectors, advisory board
meetings, and a survey completed by professionals serving children with
disabilities (e.g., teachers, medical professionals, therapists) and a survey
completed by parents of children with disabilities. 184 parents and 416
professionals participated. Professionals and parents agreed parents are
often the first to suspect the child has developmental needs. Over half of
parents and professionals indicated pediatricians should screen children for
delays. There was less agreement on who should assess and serve children.
Systemic barriers include lack of time, high caseloads, insufficient human
resources, cost, and attitudes toward children with disabilities. Existing
infrastructure and disciplines, university programs and emerging training
on ECI, patronage nursing, pediatric, and developmental counseling unit
services, preschool institutions, and amenable policies and legislation may
facilitate the development of ECI services. A shift from a medical to a social
and interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary service delivery approach through
the Routines-Based Intervention (RBI) model; cross-sector alignment
and agreements with program standards and quality indictors; and clear
protocols and standardized practices will improve existing services. Piloting
ECI services delivered through home visits, at centers, and within inclusive
preschools will guide subsequent service development. A financial and
efficiency analysis will inform caseloads and service intensity and duration.Parents and professionals need opportunities to learn about contemporary,
evidence-based ECI practices.",
publisher = "University of Belgrade, Faculty of Special Education and Rehabilitation, Serbia / Univerzitet u Beogradu – Fakultet za specijalnu edukaciju i rehabilitaciju",
journal = "Proceedings- Eurlyaid Conference 2017 „ Early Childhood Intervention: For meeting sustainable development goals of the new millennium “, Beograd, Srbija, 06–08. 10.2017.",
title = "Situation Analysis of Early Intervention in Republic of Serbia",
pages = "38-33",
url = "https://hdl.handle.net/21.15107/rcub_rfasper_4169"
}
