Enhancing Meaningful Parent Engagement: Exploring Roles and Perceptions of Parent Representatives on State Interagency Coordinating Councils

Abstract

State Interagency Coordinating Councils (SICCs) play vital roles in decision-making for Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). While parent representatives are required to serve on SICCs, it is unclear how parents participate in the SICC. It is important to understand parent experiences on the SICC given the family-centered nature of early intervention. This study utilized qualitative inquiry to detail the motivations, goals, and expectations of 15 parent participants who served on their state’s SICC and examine the link between their initial expectations and their actual roles. Barriers and facilitators to parent engagement are also presented. Findings reveal diverse motivations and expectations. Most parent representatives reported feeling valued, but some perceived their contributions as obligatory. Active solicitation of parent perspectives and leveraging their unique skills enhanced their sense of impact. The study highlights the importance of actively eliciting and valuing parent perspectives within SICCs and intentionally engaging diverse members of each state to strengthen their impact on early intervention policy and promote positive systems change within the Part C system.

Keywords

family collaboration and support Part C services teaming and collaboration with others

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