Natural Environments

Authors: Anne Marie Cellante, M.S.Ed. and Jenna Lequia, Ph.D

As young children learn best through participating in their everyday routines, with familiar people, early intervention services are provided in a child’s natural environment to the greatest extent possible. This is intended to increase exposure to same age, typically developing children, as well as generalization of skills taught during Early Intervention sessions. The overall purpose of this learning module is to inform families of what natural environments are so that they can make informed decisions, and advocate for what they want for their child and family.

*Please note: Upon completion of this module, you are eligible to receive a certificate for 1 CEU for NYS BEI.

These online learning modules are part of the New York State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP), Improving Family Centeredness Together (IFaCT) Project, aimed to improve family-centeredness in early intervention. The project is funded by the New York State Department of Health Bureau of Early Intervention.