What's the Point of Center-Based Intervention?

Posted by Ashley, Special Educator

In the field of Early Intervention, the majority of services are provided within a child's home.  This is a widely accepted model and there are many advantages to home-based instruction.  One primary strength is that the child is being taught in his/her home environment, hopefully making the instruction  age-appropriate, natural, and meaningful.  This allows therapists the wonderful opportunity to integrate instruction into the child's already existing daily routines (e.g. making lunch, brushing teeth, getting the mail, etc.)!  It is also beneficial because it makes parent involvement a little easier.  When therapy is provided in the home, parents are more likely to be included and to be treated as collaborative partners, which is hugely important!  It also allows regular opportunities for the therapists and caretakers to observe one another and offer support.  So, with all of these great benefits to home-based instruction, what's the point of center-based intervention? (Hint: there are many benefits, so keep reading!)