As professionals, we share our knowledge with the families we work with. But where does it truly come from? As I’ve shared before, I believe in the wisdom of staying professional and keeping your opinions to yourself.
Today, let’s consider: What do you base your professional knowledge on? For me and this blog, I’m committed to everything I share coming from a blend two types of resources—personal stories and credible sources—to ensure every post is both genuine and supported by evidence.
The Two Pillars of My Professional Knowledge
Both doing the job of an Early Intervention Provider and being a parent have been a powerful teacher. Each interaction with every child and family is an example of first-hand resource that no textbook fully captures. These lived moments form my understanding and motivation for creating and sharing post after post.
Yet, that personal knowledge needs grounding. This is where second-hand resources come in: information gathered and compiled by others from books, studies, and websites.
Finding Trusted Sources of Information in Early Intervention
“The Harvard College Writing Program emphasizes the importance of critically evaluating web sources for academic work. This involves:
- Assessing the author’s credibility: Examining their qualifications and potential biases.
- Verifying factual accuracy: Cross-referencing information with other reputable sources.
- Evaluating the publisher’s reliability: Determining the trustworthiness of the publishing organization.
- Identifying the point of view: Recognizing any potential biases or agendas.
- Checking for currency: Ensuring the information is up-to-date.
- Evaluating the scope of coverage: Assessing the depth and breadth of the information.”
My Style: Blending of Both Types of Resources
Ultimately, my goal when sharing my stories is to combine the power of each personal experience with supporting information from credible sources. I invite you to share your thoughts and experiences on the topic in the comments.
