Local developmental program recognized internationally

Dec. 13--A local early childhood and family support program is making ripples on an international scale.

Recently, practices developed by the Family, Infant and Preschool Program were named by Australia's National Disability Insurance Program as the recommended practice for teamwork in early childhood intervention across the country.

Dr. M'Lisa Shelden said the country had been following FIPP's work for several years and became impressed with the teamwork method addressed in "The Early Childhood Teaming Handbook: The Primary Service Provider Approach," a co-authored book between Sheldon and Dr. Dathan Rush.

"It's very validating for them to see the research that we've done in terms of team approach," Shelden said. "I think it's exciting that they will have a nationwide implementation and we'll have research opportunities to make the practices better.

"It's pretty cool that our practices are being embraced internationally."

The program will help provide a better life for hundreds of thousands of Australians with significant and permanent disabilities and their families.

Australian infant treatment program staff members have traveled to Morganton to receive training from Shelden and Rush on the teamwork approach and the two doctors have made multiple trips to the land down under for training sessions and as a keynote speaker.

FIPP, part of the J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center, currently works with children who are born with developmental challenges and their families from birth until age 5.

The program has served Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba and McDowell counties for the past 40 years.

Shelden said the programs overall goal is to focus on positive childhood outcomes by supporting the important people in the children's lives so that they aren't separated from their family.

The program is currently in the process of arranging for more Australian interns to return to Morganton for more training next summer.

For more information about FIPP, visit www.fipp.org or call 828-433-2661.

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