EcoMap

example of ecomap: child's name in box in middle, connected to circles with family members names
Image Credit: Brandi Brown and Wendy Pittard, Alabama’s Early Intervention System

"It is critical to understand the people with whom families are connected – so as to utilize their existing supports without inventing new ones" (McWilliam, 2011).

What is an EcoMap?

An EcoMap is a graphical representation that shows all of the systems at play in an individual’s life. (Hartman, 1995)

  • The mapping process only takes 10-15 minutes
  • It is a concise way of gathering important family ecology information
  • EcoMaps convey the message that Early Intervention is concerned with the whole family, not just the child.

Dr. Robin McWilliam calls the EcoMap the most important activity of the intake visit. It provides the whole team with the family information.

Learn about Eco-Maps and try it out!

Thank you to Making Access Happen (MAH) for sharing this video demonstrating how to create an eco-map. Visit their site: https://medium.com/mah-authentic-assessment-support/ecomap-in-action-1320b08f2ef0

EcoMap Template - MAKE A COPY

editable EcoMap Template

Complete an EcoMap along with Dr. Robin McWilliam

After watching the video, reflect on the process:

    • What questions did Dr. McWilliam ask that you want to remember?
    • What additional questions might you have asked this family?
    • What supports does this family have in their life?
    • What supports might you link them with?

Click here for Dr. McWilliam's finished EcoMap for this family.

screenshot of webinar with two parents and Robin McWilliam
Thank you to Making Access Happen (MAH) for sharing this video demonstrating how to create an eco-map. Visit their site: https://medium.com/mah-authentic-assessment-support/ecomap-with-robin-mcwilliam-jason-and-sarah-e27dd2eb5e55