Early Intervention and the Speech-Language Pathologist: Best Practices in Assessment and Intervention for Infants and Toddlers

For students in speech-language pathology programs, Early Intervention and the Speech-Language Pathologist addresses the foundations, knowledge, and evidence-based practices in early intervention (EI) and presents the skills and strategies necessary to provide exceptional services to the young children and families who they will be serving as professionals. It is the first textbook dedicated to providing a comprehensive presentation of theory, facts, and application to provide evidence-based best practices in the complex and continually evolving field of EI. The author thoroughly and effectively addresses all services and service delivery practices provided in EI under IDEA Part C, including prevention, screening, evaluation, assessment, team consultation, service coordination, transition planning, and advocacy. The book includes a set of 10 case studies covering a wide variety of topics that are intended to support in-class engagement and discussion of the material. Serving as a starting point for students and providers on the path to a position in EI, the book is designed to provide students with information they recognize, can relate to, and will be able to apply immediately as new speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in EI, as well as to provide instructors with material that is accessible, applicable, and offers a direct connection between teaching and practice. Specifically, the content of the textbook will provide current and future SLPs with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively work with children and their families and caregivers. Plural Plus Online Ancillary Materials For instructors: PowerPoint slides and critical thinking questions for each chapter. For students: Case studies, learning outcomes, list of web resources, glossary, and bibliography.

Table of Contents:
Foreword Introduction Acknowledgements Contributors Reviewers Part I: Foundations, Principles, and Evidence Supporting Early Intervention Chapter 1. Introduction to Early Intervention and the Role of the SLP Chapter 2. Guiding Principles of Early Intervention Chapter 3. Evidence-Based Approaches and Practices in Early Intervention Part II: Early Intervention in Practice Chapter 4. Considerations for Early Intervention Services in Natural Environments Chapter 5. Current Levels of Functioning Chapter 6. Screening, Evaluation, and Assessment Chapter 7. Eligibility Determination and Development of the Individualized Family Service Plan Chapter 8. Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Practices in Early Intervention Chapter 9. Treatment in the Natural Environment Chapter 10. Best Practices for Assessment and Treatment of Speech Sound Development Chapter 11. Feeding Assessment and Intervention Chapter 12. Special Populations Appendix A. Screening Measures that include Speech, Language, and Communication Appendix B. Authentic and Functional Evaluation and Assessment Instruments in Early Intervention Appendix C. Case Studies in Early Intervention Index

About the Author :
Corey Herd Cassidy, PhD, CCC-SLP, has provided services to young children and their families for more than 26 years as a licensed speech-language pathologist and as a faculty member in higher education for the past two decades. She currently serves as Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Radford University, with a secondary appointment of Professor in the Department of Health Systems and Implementation Science at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. Throughout her career, Dr. Cassidy has served in multiple leadership positions, including Associate Dean of the Waldron College of Health and Human Services, Founding Director of the Center for Interprofessional Education and Practice, and Executive Director of the Academic Success Center. She teaches, supervises, and conducts scholarship in the areas of early intervention, the relationship between music therapy and speech-language pathology with young children and their families, and interprofessional education, collaboration, and leadership across the education, healthcare, human services, and higher education arenas. Dr. Cassidy is passionate about teaching, mentoring students, and sharing her knowledge and experiences with colleagues. She has had the honor of being invited regularly to present workshops at state, national, and international conferences, and is the author of the chapter addressing service delivery in early intervention in the three most recent editions of Plural Publishing's Professional Issues in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. She lives in Radford, Virginia with her husband and two young children.