The purpose of this research was to investigate the relationship between early intervention providers' backgrounds and their perceptions of caregiver coaching and auditory skill development. An explanatory sequential design was used with participants of varying backgrounds. In the first phase of the study, participants responded to a survey regarding their educational background, and their comfort with caregiver coaching and auditory skill development. Survey results were analysed using Spearman's Ranked Correlational Coefficient (Spearman's rs) to form groups of participants from extreme cases. The second phase of the study consisted of participant interviews from each of the groups. Interviews were coded to identify themes present within and between groups. The information from both phases was analysed to generate how professional preparation influences service delivery. Results were subsequently analysed to determine potential improvements in the Early Intervention system, professional development, and policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]