UCLA ADP Interns Amplify Family Voices in Early Intervention

This spring, UCLA Applied Developmental Psychology (ADP) interns Alexandra Nilsen, Emiko Brown, and Shay Baker partnered with the Infant Development Association of California (IDA) to learn about California's Early Start system through direct engagement with families, providers, and advocates.
 
During their internship, Alexandra, Emiko, and Shay conducted interviews with families throughout California whose children benefited from early intervention services. These discussions provided them with direct insights into the effects of Early Start services, the difficulties families encounter when navigating the system, and potential opportunities to enhance support for young children and their families.
 
The interns integrated their findings for the Early Start Family Voices handout, highlighting key themes and recommendations obtained from family interviews and surveys. Their efforts emphasize the significance of listening to family experiences and incorporating those perspectives into advocacy, policy formulation, and system improvement initiatives.
 
The ADP minor combines rigorous coursework in child development, early care and education, and developmental science with hands-on experience working with and on behalf of infants, toddlers, and families. Each spring, students engage in an internship that integrates their academic knowledge and advocacy efforts with meaningful community involvement to address enduring inequalities affecting young children and families. 

Student Reflections

Alexandra Nilsen
"Through IDA and the statewide early intervention community it serves, I learned more about early intervention than I could have through the ADP Minor alone."

Emiko Brown
"Through IDA, I gained a deeper understanding of the policies, advocacy efforts, and family experiences that shape California's early intervention system. The opportunity to learn from families, providers, and advocates reinforced the importance of ensuring that every child and family has access to the support they need."

Shay Baker
Speaking directly with families had a profound impact on me and strengthened my commitment to supporting children and families through early intervention."

Congratulations to Emiko and Shay on their graduation. Emiko will pursue their career goal in pediatric psychiatry in the coming year. Shay is entering the Master of Science in School Counseling program at California State University, East Bay. Alexandra is entering her senior year this fall and plans to pursue a career in speech-language pathology.

We congratulate all three interns on their accomplishments and welcome their continued involvement with the Infant Development Association.