Abstract
Supporting family choice in the decision-making process is recommended practice in the field of early childhood and early childhood special education. These decisions may relate to the medical, educational, social, recreational, therapeutic/rehabilitative, and community aspects of the child's disability. Although this practice conveys the message that families are the primary decision-makers for their children, families are not always adequately supported by professionals through the decision-making process. This manuscript calls for a renewed focus on family choice from the parents’ perspective by offering vignettes from parents who have had both positive and negative experiences with parent choice. To explore family choice, this manuscript includes discussions of (a) ethical, societal, and legislative rationales for families making choices, (b) benefits and challenges of family informed choice in practice, and (c) clarification of the professionals’ roles. This manuscript provides recommendations and strategies for assisting professionals in facilitating and optimizing the choice process for families.
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Murray, M.M., Christensen, K.A., Umbarger, G.T. et al. Supporting Family Choice. Early Childhood Educ J 35, 111–117 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-007-0191-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-007-0191-6