EcoMap in Action

A provider and a parent are discussing the people involved in their lives and their child’s lives. Experience the EcoMap being drawn before your eyes.

Review the following video showing the discussion between the provider and the parent. Download or print the transcript: Bryce Ecomap

Reflection for further exploration

Interested to learn more? Here are more resources on EcoMap:

For more information on WHAT is an EcoMap

• Refer to Chapter 4 of McWilliam, Robin. Working with Families of Special Needs, 2010.

For more information on How to complete and EcoMap

• First Years: EcoMap
• EIVI-FPG Child Development Institute: Support-Based Early Intervention and Developing Ecomaps

For more information on WHY to do an EcoMap

• Robin McWilliam: Early Intervention in Natural Environments (search for EcoMap)
• EI Excellence: Lost? Use an Eco-map!

Personal reflection

After completing an EcoMap with one of your families, think about the following questions:

• What was it like to produce an EcoMap of your family? Was it enjoyable? Boring? Uncomfortable? Did anything about this process surprise you?
• Would you be comfortable doing this exercise during first contacts with a family? Why or why not?
• Under what circumstances might it be inappropriate to do an exercise like this with a family?
• Do you think that developing an EcoMap during first contacts might help professionals team with families? Why or why not?

[Adapted from Florida Health: Children’s Medical Services]