All articles
Families · 4 min read ·
A Parent Coaching Checklist for Early Intervention Visits
A printable-style checklist families and therapists can use before, during, and after each early intervention visit to get the most out of parent coaching.
In early intervention, the therapist visits for an hour, but the family is with the child all week. Parent coaching is how the hour turns into progress. Use this checklist to make each visit count.
Before the visit
- Think of one routine that has been hard this week (meals, bedtime, getting dressed).
- Note any new skill you've noticed, however small.
- Have the child's everyday toys and spaces ready — no special setup needed.
- Write down questions so they don't get lost in the moment.
During the visit
- Join in on the floor — you are part of the session, not an observer.
- Ask the therapist to show a strategy, then try it yourself while they watch.
- Ask “What should I look for?” so you know what progress looks like.
- Talk through where the strategy fits in your real day.
After the visit
- Pick two or three daily moments to practice the strategy.
- Share the strategy with other caregivers — partners, grandparents, day-care staff.
- Jot down what worked and what didn't to share at the next visit.
- Celebrate small wins. Progress in young children often comes in tiny steps.