Child care professionals observe and screen children so they can
ANSWER :1. Facilitate the growth and development of every child in their program,
2.
... [Show More] Detect early signs of developmental delay or disability,
3. Identify signs of child abuse or neglect.
Observation and screening describe
ANSWER :how early childhood professionals use certain methods to help them pay attention to the
behavior and development of children under their care.
Observation
ANSWER :is an ongoing process in which child care professionals recognize and document identifiable
developmental milestones as they appear, using tools such as checklists, anecdotal records, and running
records.
Screening
ANSWER :is an ongoing process in which child care professionals use specialized observation and
documentation tools to identify, document, and monitor typical development or possible developmental
delay.
The three main reasons child care programs observe and screen children are to
ANSWER :1. To foster growth and development in every child,
2. Detect early signs of developmental delay or disability, and
3. Identify signs of child abuse and neglect.
These processes are also used to support
ANSWER :-quality curriculum development;
-help parents support growth and development at home; -allow timely referral for early intervention
services; and -provide a common reference point and basis for interaction between parents, program
staff, and other professionals.
Observation and screening foster growth and development in every child by
ANSWER :determining the child's developmental-age level and by using the information obtained from
observation and screening to develop inside and outside learning spaces, personal care routines,
communication and interaction practices, learning activities, and program policies and procedures.
Observation and screening can detect early signs of developmental delay or disability when
ANSWER :child care staff members are trained to identify and document signs of typical or atypical
growth and development. Since staff members see children throughout the day and have training in
child growth and development, they may be in the best position to spot the earliest signs of atypical
development. Therefore, staff may be in the best position to help the child and family.
Child care personnel should not
ANSWER :attempt to diagnose delay or disability. Instead, they should document typical and atypical
patterns of development and take appropriate action as defined by their program's written policies and
procedures.
Observation and screening can help child care professionals identify the signs of child abuse and neglect
by
ANSWER :reporting any suspected abuse or neglect and can do so anonymously. However, people who
work with children are required by law to identify themselves when they report suspected child abuse or
neglect. Failure to report suspected abuse or neglect is a felony of the third degree in Florida.
Observation and screening support quality curriculum development by
ANSWER :focusing learning goals and objectives, lesson plans, and teaching strategies on the
development and implementation of activities that strengthen the child's skills. The best child care
professionals can recognize what each child knows and can do, and uses this information to help
increase skills, abilities, and knowledge.
Observation and screening can help parents support their child's growth and development at home by
ANSWER :increasing the volume and quality of information available to them. When quality information
is combined with the professional services provided by a child care program, a child's outcomes improve,
both at the program and at home.
Observation and screening allow
ANSWER :timely referral for intervention. The earlier signs of developmental delay or disability are
identified, the better the outcome for the child.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends
ANSWER :that all children be screened for developmental delays and disabilities during regular wellchild doctor visits at 9 months, 18 months, and 24 or 30 months. However, observation of a child can
begin at birth.
Observation and screening provide an opportunity for communication between parents, staff, and child
development specialists because
ANSWER :they include written evidence of a child's growth and development over time.
Written records collected by a child care professional can be
ANSWER :critical to a team of people who are helping a child with developmental delay or disability.
Child care programs observe and screen children because these processes support
ANSWER :quality curriculum development; help parents support growth and development at home;
allow timely referral for early intervention services; and provide a common reference point and basis for
interaction between parents, program staff, and other professionals.
During an observation session, a trained adult
ANSWER :monitors a child as he or she demonstrates identified skills or abilities within a developmental
domain. For example, a staff member observing children's growth and development in the Physical
Development domain may document an infant's ability to roll over, a toddler's ability to walk, a
preschooler's ability to kick a ball, and a school-age child's ability to use a swing.
Observation sessions should be performed by
ANSWER :a familiar person in the child's natural environment at a time when he or she is at his or her
best.
The goal is to allow the observer to
ANSWER :document the child's skills and abilities fairly and objectively.
In a quality program, results are carefully documented following
ANSWER :set guidelines and written procedures. Methods of documentation include checklists,
anecdotal records, and running records.
Observation can:
ANSWER :-Facilitate curriculum development
-Guide developmentally appropriate practice
-Assist in providing individualized care
-Help share information with parents and others
-Reveal signs of abuse and neglect
KEY POINT on Observation
ANSWER :Observation helps a program function at its best over several operational and functional
areas.
Screening is an ongoing process conducted by child care providers and others to
ANSWER :verify that a child is developing typically or to identify early signs of delay or disability.
During a screening session, trained adults [Show Less]