Proposal for a new conceptual framework to guide early intervention professionals in a transcultural context

Parental engagement in early intervention programs for children with neurodevelopmental conditions is complex, particularly within transcultural contexts. This study examines current models of parental engagement to identify key factors that support inclusive approaches and to develop a flexible framework that addresses the realities of immigrant families raising children with neurodevelopmental conditions in transcultural settings.

A critical nonsystematic review was conducted to integrate parental engagement models across multiple fields, aiming to develop a theoretical tool to guide a doctoral research project.

We found that current models often ignore transcultural realities and power dynamics. Therefore, we propose the Child-Parent-Professional Partnership framework, which provides a holistic ecological approach sensitive to the realities of immigrant parents.

The findings presented are inherently tentative and serve as a foundational basis for the empirical research design subsequently undertaken by the first author. Accordingly, the present article is intended to serve as an initial conceptual exploration, rather than a definitive analysis, and further empirical investigation is necessary to validate these primary insights and extend their scope.

The proposed framework provides a comprehensive view of the influences affecting parental engagement in transcultural contexts, emphasizing the importance of an anti-oppressive approach to foster partnership that are attuned to the realities of immigrant parents. The originality of this framework lies in its integration of theoretical and practical approaches, offering both a conceptual lens to understand complex dynamics and a foundation for implementing authentic partnerships.