Maternal Perceptions of Early Intervention Services

Abstract

A questionnaire was constructed, consisting of 45 items, that assessed the degree to which mothers received a number of family intervention services. The questionnaire was completed by a national sample of 503 mothers who had children with handicaps in early intervention programs. A factor analysis of questionnaire responses indicated that the items assessed five independent components of family-focused intervention, including systems engagement, child information, family instructional activities, personal-family assistance, and resource assistance. Results from the factor analysis were used to construct the Family-Focused Intervention Scale (FFIS), consisting of 40 items and five subscales. Cronbach's alpha indicated that each of the subscales was reliable. Comparisons among groups of mothers suggested that the FFIS was sensitive to variations in the level of family intervention services.

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