Gabriel Martínez Rico

Implementing evidence-based practices in early intervention has generated new research interest in the need for effective early childhood systems. This study used a bibliometric analysis to discern the importance and relevance of the field. The analysis highlights that the main goals of the future direction of the research field need to be better defined. First, articles published in the Web of Science database between 2012 and 2022 were reviewed, and then word and author combinations were analyzed. Finally, articles were collected in different groups for bibliographic linking. Five key points were identified as the most important practices recommended by the Department of Early Childhood or Professional Development. It should be noted that the main difficulty encountered in this field arises from the novelty of our research topic, i.e., there is no research on constructing systems for early intervention. However, it is worth highlighting the articles that are relevant to the field of study and our success with integrating them in order to demonstrate the importance of serving children with disabilities and their families. In conclusion, the establishment of a system built on evidence-based practices is underdeveloped but shows promise for the future of early intervention systems.

Objective The present study evaluates the impact of family‐centered practices on families' ratings of social validity of telepractice in 659 Spanish families in early childhood intervention (ECI) services. Background The integration of telepractice in ECI services has been accelerated by the social and health situation caused by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Until then, telepractice was a well‐known but scarcely used resource in early intervention. Social validity assessments are critical for telepractice because services are focused on supporting primary caregivers. Social validity, therefore, refers to whether the intervention approach and outcomes match the needs of children and families, allowing for improved planning, implementation, and evaluation of early intervention programs. Method A survey‐based cross‐sectional study on families' ratings of social validity was carried out. A structural equations model was performed in order to assess the influence of families' ratings of the social validity of telepractice. The model analyzed a mediation through latent variables: family‐centered practices (X), fit of services to family needs (M), and social validity of telepractice (Y). Results Our study shows an overall good perception of social validity of telepractice by families. Focusing on family needs and priorities and professionals encouraging families to have an active role completely mediates the relationship between family‐centered practices and family social validity scores. No differences in telepractice modalities were found. Conclusions and Implications A family‐centered approach to telepractice in ECI is needed, not only for greater social validity, but also for improved child and family outcomes, especially when services support real family needs and priorities.