Early intervention services for children with physical disability: Parents' perceptions of family-centeredness and service satisfaction

Family-centered early childhood services for children with physical disability and their families can afford developmental advantage for children and avert unnecessary stress for families. This study aimed to determine how characteristics of children and families and perceptions of family-centered practice (FCP) relate to satisfaction with early childhood services. Participants comprised parents or carers of children up to 9 years with a physical disability who were accessing early childhood services. Participants completed The European Parent Satisfaction Scale about Early Intervention, Functional Independence Measure for Children, Measure of Processes of Care, and a sociodemographic parent survey. Overall, families (n = 112) reported being relatively satisfied with early childhood services. There was a significant positive relationship between parent perceptions of FCP (coordinated and comprehensive care and providing general information) and satisfaction (β = 3.13 and 1.75, respectively). These aspects of FCP accounted for 68% of the variance in satisfaction scores. Children's level of disability and families' sociodemographic characteristics were not related to satisfaction ratings. These findings suggest that not all aspects of FCP contribute equally to overall satisfaction. Service providers need to pay particular attention to the information needs of families and ensuring that services are well-coordinated and appropriate.