Coaching the Caregiver in Early Intervention (live registration)
Coaching the Caregiver in Early Intervention
January 28, 2026 | 12:00pm CDT | 60 minutes | 0.1 ASHA CEUs
Although research strongly supports the use of coaching in early intervention, many providers find it challenging to put into practice. Coaching is often misunderstood or mistaken for consulting, which takes a more directive adult-learning approach. To be effective, providers must balance child-focused and adult-focused skills while embracing the value of routines-based intervention. This 60-minute course introduces five key coaching strategies that bring greater structure and confidence to implementation. Participants will gain practical, actionable tools to foster young children’s learning and development within everyday routines and interactions. Whether sessions take place at home or in the childcare setting, high-quality early intervention depends on strong partnerships with caregivers.
Presenter: Cari Ebert, MS, CCC-SLP
Relevant Financial Relationship: Cari receives a speaking fee for presenting this course.
Non-Relevant Financial Relationship: Cari has an Autistic son and shares personal experiences in her trainings.
Presenter Biography: Cari Ebert, MS, CCC-SLP, is a pediatric speech-language pathologist in the Kansas City, Missouri area. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa in 1993 and her master’s degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1995. With over 25 years of experience in Early Intervention, Cari wears many hats: therapist, consultant, author, product developer, and internationally recognized speaker. As an SLP and professional speaker, she gets to do what she loves most every day —TALK! Known for her animated personality and high-energy speaking style, Cari engages audiences with both her professional expertise and her personal journey as the parent to an Autistic son.
Learner Outcomes
- Describe the differences between the adult learning approaches of coaching and consulting
- Outline five coaching strategies that help providers actively engage caregivers during Early Intervention sessions
- Identify steps providers can take when caregivers do not follow through on the joint plan
Agenda
- Welcome, Introduction, Disclosures, and Course Overview (5 minutes)
- Adult Learning Approaches (10 minutes)
- Five Coaching Strategies (25 minutes)
- Getting Follow-Through on the Joint Plan (10 minutes)
- Coaching in the Childcare Setting (10 minutes)
Cost: Free
Audience: Early Career Professionals (under 5 years), Assistants, Students
Topic Area: Language in Infants Through Preschoolers
To be reported to ASHA CE, participants must indicate their preference to be reported on the post-webinar assessment and achieve a minimum score of 80% accuracy. Unlimited attempts are permitted, but partial credit is not available. The assessment must be completed within one week of the webinar.
Accessibility: Please email ableU@ablenetinc.com if you require any additional accessibility support. We will be happy to work with you!
Complaint: We strive to provide professional development that highlights today’s best practices. If you have complaints/concerns regarding ableU please contact ableU@ablenetinc.com. We will review the complaint or concern. When appropriate, we will take action to address the issue within 10 business days.
Refund: Refunds are not available for free sessions.