Parents and Speech Therapist Perception of Parental Involvement in Kailila Therapy Center, Jakarta, Indonesia

Abstract

Parental involvement in a speech therapy has not been prioritized in most therapy centers in Indonesia. One of the therapy centers that has recognized the importance of parental involvement is Kailila Speech Therapy Center. In Kailila speech therapy center, parental involvement in children’s speech therapy is an obligation that has been communicated with parents in the form of contractual agreements. According to speech therapists in Kailila therapy center, there are parents who still have not done their responsibility. Furthermore it showed that some parents still have obstacles in implementing the learning at home. This study explored the perception of parental involvement that are formed by parents and speech therapist. In order to see the type of parental involvement, the researchers refered to the theory of parental involvement by Hoover-Dempsey and Sandler. The theory explain about parents’ beliefs and perception on why they become involved in their child’s education. Throughout this literature the theory used to explain parental involvement in a speech therapy settings. In-depth interviews were used for parents whose child is in speech therapy. Therapists were also interviewed as supporting subjects. Parents have a postive perception about their involvement while one of of the therapist have a different perception with the parent. The repetition hours at home, number of children, family involvement, and invitation from therapists all influence parental involvement in a child’s therapy.

Keywords: parental involvement, speech therapy, speech delay