Purpose
The purpose of this module is to provide information on Interdisciplinary Collaborations. This module aims to expand the knowledge base and capacity of pre-professionals, educators, and service providers. Each topic embedded in this module includes the following materials: (a) syllabus, (b) professional development guide (slide deck), (c) case study, (d) learning activities, (e) multimedia illustrations, and (f) resources. Topics within the module can also be adapted by faculty for use as course materials.
The topics within this module are designed to be flexible. Sample syllabi serve as a resource to help you consider the key sections and content to include in a syllabus, as well as ideas for content specific to each topic area. PD guides can be used in their entirety to cover multiple PD sessions. Specific content in the topics, PD guides, multimedia illustrations (videos), learning activities, and resources can be used individually to enhance existing course content.
Objectives
As a result of active participation and successful engagement with this module, students will be able to:
• Analyze interdisciplinary teaming models used in Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE).
• Demonstrate effective collaborative communication strategies within diverse teams.
• Integrate family-centered and equity-driven practices into team interactions.
• Apply adult learning principles and expertise-exchange strategies to build team capacity.
• Evaluate team functioning using research-based frameworks and recommend evidence-informed improvements.
PD Guides
Case Study
Case Study: Interdisciplinary Teaming
Mateo, a 30-month old boy with developmental delays, transitions from Connecticut’s early intervention (Part C) services to preschool special education (Part B/619), highlighting challenges in team communication, assessment practices, and family-centered planning across service systems. It illustrates how interdisciplinary collaboration, culturally responsive communication, and coordinated assessment and planning can better support both the child’s developmental needs and the family’s involvement in decision-making.
Learning Activities
Multimedia Illustrations
The video library is a compilation of almost 500 videos that may be used in early childhood intervention pre-service courses or in-service training. Each video contains the following relevant information:
- Title with a description
- Link to video
- Suggested citation
- Length of the video
- EI/ECSE standard
- DEC Recommended Practice
Resources
Resources to supplement the syllabus:
- https://ectacenter.org/decrp/topic-teaming.asp
- Evidence-Based Education and Training Practices for Adult Learners with Application for Pre-Service and In-Service Training
- CEC Initial Practice-Based Professional Preparation Standards for EI/ECSE (2020)
- Link to the standards and supporting resources.
- Center for Parent Information and Resources: Module 8 The Transition Process
- A module describing the transition process.
- Center for Parent Information and Resources: Module 9 Development of the Transition Plan in Part C
- A module focused on the development of a transition plan for toddlers.
- CONNECT Modules (Module 5)
- A module about the purpose, use and benefits of assistive technology interventions.
- Cross-Disciplinary Coordination and Collaboration Case Study
- A case study demonstrating cross-disciplinary collaboration.
- Early Childhood Recommended Practices Modules (Module 3)
- A module about the importance of teaming and collaboration.
- ECIPC Adult Learning Planning Tool
- A tool for use by higher education faculty and professional development providers when planning and implementing a topic/content/practice.
- ECIPC Cross-Disciplinary Competencies
- Core cross-disciplinary competence areas for use by ECI professionals.
- ECIPC Curriculum Modules: Professional Standards
- A module for each of the seven EI/ECSE Standards with a variety of resources (e.g., multimedia illustrations, websites, references).
- Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators
- Link to the standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).