title: Factors associated with therapists' involvement in children's transition to preschool.
abstract: We identified factors associated with occupational therapists' involvement as children receiving early intervention services transition into preschool. A survey was sent to members of the American Occupational Therapy Association's School System Special Interest Section. The highest ranked factor for respondents in early intervention was understanding their role (mean [M]= 4.96, standard deviation [SD] = 1.26, n = 78) and for respondents in preschool programs it was having preschool staff value their participation (M = 4.84, SD = 1.46, n = 248). Preschool occupational therapists' relationship with early intervention providers, employer-based supports, and knowledge of the transition process were significantly associated with their involvement in two transition planning areas: collaboration with early intervention programs (p < .001) and family support (p < .001). Findings suggest that practices that enhance relationships among programs influence occupational therapist involvement. Implications for formal training to support involvement in the transition process are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, Eastern Kentucky University, 103 Dizney Building, Richmond, KY 40475, USA. christine.myers@eku.edu
authors.forename: Christine Teeters
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Myers
authors.forename: Colleen M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Schneck
authors.forename: Susan K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Effgen
authors.forename: Katherine M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: McCormick
authors.forename: Sharon Brandenburger
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Shasby
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019988:Children with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D018479:Early Intervention, Educational / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012574:Schools