ERIC Number: ED657509
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 141
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-3828-3107-7
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Examining the Potential of Utilizing Small-Scale Playgroups for Early Intervention Aged Children
Christina E. Mead
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, State University of New York at Buffalo
This study investigated the use of playgroups as a play-based intervention for Early Intervention aged children with developmental delays. Children currently enrolled in Early Intervention National, across New York State, and locally are being provided with fewer services than in prior years due to provider shortages. Children from diverse backgrounds, rural locations, and with high needs may struggle to get all therapeutic needs met. Playgroups may have the potential to help combat service provision deficiencies and provide increased play-based experiences that may not typically be afforded to children with developmental disabilities. The research questions examined the behaviors children exhibit during playgroup sessions and the perceptions of the adult participants. Data collection for this case study comprised of survey data, observational field notes, and interview data from participants who attend a playgroup currently running at GiGi's Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Center in Buffalo, New York. The researcher attended six consecutive weekly sessions as a passive participant to gain an in-depth understanding of the child participants' behavior. Following the completion of observational data, the researcher conducted interviews with caregivers and professional facilitators. Results indicated the nature of development skills including imitation, early communication skill practice, and joint attention; playgroups provided joyful interaction, novel interactions with adults, and engaging peer interactions; adults perceived LMNOP as a positive experience, was a supportive and inclusive environment, and had therapeutic benefits for children. The results of this study have the potential to guide decision-making about playgroups as a model of service delivery, expand existing services, and establish new options for service in other contexts. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Play, Preschool Children, Down Syndrome, Early Intervention, Cultural Pluralism, Developmental Disabilities, Rural Areas, Child Behavior, Adults, Early Childhood Education, Caregiver Attitudes, Imitation, Caregiver Child Relationship, Peer Relationship, Therapeutic Environment, Inclusion, Decision Making, Program Descriptions
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Early Childhood Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: New York (Buffalo)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A