Creating an agency-wide, interdisciplinary literacy project in comprehensive early childhood programs

Abstract

An important area for early childhood programs offering comprehensive services is better understanding interdisciplinary collaboration, as this collaboration lays for foundation for supporting optimal child outcomes. This study examined some of the benefits and challenges of using an interdisciplinary approach by exploring the perspectives of staff members from across disciplines during a six-week, agency-wide literacy project. This study suggests that Head Start and Early Head Start staff members recognize the benefits of interdisciplinary collaboration, but the experience of working across disciplines can be challenging. Implications of these results for practice are discussed.