Professional development: Are we meeting the needs of state EHDI programs?

Abstract

State coordinators of early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI) programs completed a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, or SWOT, analysis that consisted of 12 evaluative areas of EHDI programs. For the professional development area, 47 coordinators responded with a total of 223 items, and themes were identified in each SWOT category. A threats, opportunities, weaknesses, and strengths, or TOWS, analysis yielded 12 recommendations that focused on similar themes. Out of these 32 recommendations, 3 distinct strategies emerged: 1) target personnel shortages through collaborative relationships and partnerships by providing a range of professional development activities that target medical, clinical, and educational professionals who deliver direct services to young children with hearing loss and their families; 2) establish policies and procedures to eliminate barriers to training; and 3) publicize all training opportunities to foster greater participation. Addressed successfully, these recommendations can strengthen professional development in state EHDI programs.