The effectiveness of the portage program. (c2016)

Abstract

The endorsement of early intervention programs with children with special needs has resulted in considering this practice as an essential need to enhance the abilities of children with disabilities. This study was motivated by a pursuit to gain a better understanding on the impact of delivering early intervention service to children with special needs in their natural environment. To achieve this purpose this study aimed to investigate the effect of a home-based early intervention program called Portage program. The study evaluated the children’s progress in five developmental areas: communication, social-emotional development, exploration, purposeful-motor activity, and sensory organization, and assessed parents’ satisfaction and feedback on the program. The study followed the mixed method research design, quantitative data was collected for 16 participating children by comparing the results of the pre post scores of the TOP checklist, and qualitative data was collected using a parent interview to asses parents’ satisfaction of nine parents with the program. The findings of this study were compatible with previous research that revealed the positive effect of the Portage program.