NotesFAQContact Us
Collection
Advanced
Search Tips
Back to results
Peer reviewed Peer reviewed
Direct linkDirect link
ERIC Number: EJ1402199
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 5
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1068-6177
EISSN: N/A
Supporting Parents of Preschoolers with Disabilities: An Investigation of Parents' Perceptions and Use of Formal and Informal Supports
Gaspar, Catherine Rogers
Dimensions of Early Childhood, v51 n2 p23-27 2023
Parenting a child with a disability can be stressful, and research has shown that burdens related to that care may overload parents and have negative effects on their quality of life. Thus, it is important to support families beginning early in their parenting experience and provide them with a strong foundation of tools and information. This study was an exploratory investigation of parent support structures in early childhood special education and examined the perceptions of support from parents/caregivers of preschoolers with disabilities. Using Bronfenbrenner's ecological theory, three ecological contexts (school, system, and social) were identified as potential sources of support. Of the three, parents reported higher feelings of support from school and system and indicated a variety of specific supports from these contexts that they found helpful. Findings demonstrate the positive influence of informal support. Expanding awareness and reach of parent-to-parent (P2P) programs, where parents of children with disabilities support one another and develop a community through social events, social media, trainings, and mentoring, may further empower parents and offer them community and sources of coping and support.
Southern Early Childhood Association. PO Box 8109 Jacksonville, AR 72078. Tel: 501-221-1648. e-mail: info@seca.info; Web site: www.seca.info/dimensions
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education; Preschool Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A