Team Member Perceptions of the Primary Service Provider Approach: Insights on Implementation and Collaboration

Abstract

We examined the implementation of the Primary Service Provider (PSP) approach to teaming in early intervention (EI) settings in the United States, with additional participants from one region of Australia. The PSP approach emphasizes transdisciplinary collaboration, caregiver coaching in natural environments, and family-centered service delivery. A total of 351 EI professionals completed a survey investigating perceptions of PSP implementation, including how professional discipline and time on a team influence these perspectives. Findings indicate generally positive perceptions of the PSP approach’s effectiveness, with statistically significant differences across disciplines and years of experience. We identified broad provider endorsement of the PSP approach across these contexts and relational and structural elements critical to implementation, whcih offer practical insights for enhancing transdisciplinary collaboration and sustaining high-quality PSP practices in EI programs.

Keywords

teaming collaboration home visiting family-centered services related services early education programs

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