Abstract:
Exploration of an asset-based approach to early intervention. The importance of early childhood intervention in a developing country is indisputable, but how should early childhood intervention be structured to ensure desired outcomes for families and children in a country where support resources are limited? In South Africa we need to look further than the traditional way of intervention in order to find
approaches that are less expensive and more innovative than what we have. In this regard the asset-based approach may offer some possibilities, because it departs from the deficit/medical model of intervention that relies on extensive resources. The asset-based approach was initially developed for community development, therefore the purpose of this study was to explore the asset-based approach to educational psychological early intervention. An instrumental case study was undertaken in order to investigate what asset-based early intervention would entail and what the methodological and procedural challenges and opportunities would be. Results indicated that the asset-based approach entails an intensive investment of time and that a key factor to its success is sustained relationships with all involved. Assets that were closer to the participant could also be mobilised more easily than those that seated in the wider system. It was evident that the asset-based approach can be utilised effectively as an educational psychological approach in early childhood intervention. Numerous assets were identified and mobilised and the outcome thereof was constructive. However, sustainability remains a challenge.
