Virginia EI Professional Development Center Blog

In this SCARF series, we've talked about how our brains are always quietly scanning our interactions for five social needs: Status, Certainty, Autonomy, Relatedness, and Fairness. So far we've explored Status (feeling valued and respected) and and Certainty (knowing what to expect) [...]

“His bus comes in 10 minutes… and he took off all of his clothes!” That was the Monday morning phone call.My daughter was in tears. My grandson—three years old—had stripped down to his diaper. The preschool bus was on its way. My daughter only had 10 minutes. After processing the urgency in her voice, I […]

In early intervention, relationships are the foundation of effective support. Families invite professionals into their lives during some of their most vulnerable moments—times filled with hope, uncertainty, and a deep desire to help their child thrive. Even in the strongest partnerships, misunderstandings [...]

Every day, early intervention (EI) practitioners step into homes and communities to support families with infants and toddlers with disabilities. Our work is filled with connection, curiosity, and the shared goal of empowering families to nurture their child’s unique development. Yet, as anyone who works in EI knows, the work can also be complex, challenging, and sometimes isolating. That’s where VEIPD Voices comes in. This blog is a gathering space for EI professionals in Virginia and beyond to come together to reflect, problem-solve, and learn from one another. It’s where we can sit with tough questions, envision new approaches, and take small, meaningful steps toward change in our daily practice. We believe that community is our ground source - a place of connection and renewal that sustains our practice and our wellbeing - and that the collective wisdom of practitioners, family members, and leaders can help us all do this important work better while also caring for ourselves and our [...]