DCF Child Care Training 2021 Behavioral Observation and Screening

PKU

A disorder characterized by delays in motor development and seizures; it often appears in conjunction with a behavioral disorder.

ADHD

A disorder characterized by impulsivity and inattention, and in some cases, hyperactivity.

Down Syndrome

A genetic disorder characterized by distinct physical traits and intellectual impairments.

ASD

A group of disorders characterized by social and communication impairments, and restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior.

Evaluation:

A process that determines a child's eligibility for federal, state, and local programs and services.

Assessment:

A process whereby an agency or organization gathers and reviews multiple sources of information about a child's suspected or confirmed developmental delay or disability, and uses information to improve a child's outcomes.

Developmentally Appropriate Practice:

A research-based framework centered on meeting children where they are individually, chronologically by age, and culturally.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

A syndrome characterized by deformities in the joints, fingers, and limbs; atypical behavior; and learning disorders; and cognitive impairment.

Fragile X Syndrome

A syndrome characterized by intellectual disability and behavior disorders; it is more prevalent and severe in males.

Early Intervention:

A system of services that help children who have a developmental disability or delay.

Observation:

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:

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.

After reading a child's file, a trained adult asks the child to perform specific tasks. The information gained indicates the child may have a developmental delay or disability and could benefit from early intervention. The adult refers the family to a medical professional for diagnosis.

Assessment

Age-Inappropriate Behaviors

Behavioral sign of child abuse

Fatigue

Behavioral sign of neglect

Stealing Food

Behavioral sign of neglect

Cognitive Disabilities

Disabilities that affect self-help skills and the way the brain processes information.

You are screening a 10-month-old child. You have conducted four screenings over the past three weeks. You find that the child does not engage in play.

Encourage family to refer

You are screening a six-month-old child who does not acknowledge your presence in any way.

Encourage family to refer

After reading a child's file, a trained adult asks the child to perform specific tasks. The adult confirms the child has a developmental disability and therefore qualifies for programs and services, by federal law.

Evaluation

You find out what languages are available.

I am asking the right questions

You know the tool's target age range.

I am asking the right questions

You learn how many items are screened.

I am asking the right questions

You conduct screening sessions in natural settings.

I am following guidelines and best practices

You only use instruments for their specified purposes.

I am following guidelines and best practices

You are trained to conduct screening and observation sessions.

I am following the guidelines and best practices

You answer questions as you share results.

I am involving families

You encourage parents to contact you with follow-up questions.

I am involving families

You schedule confidential meetings to discuss results.

I am involving families

You assess the program's current use of technology.

I am selecting screening tools

You look for accuracy, reliability, and sensitivity.

I am selecting screening tools

You perform research to find suitable endorsements.

I am selecting screening tools

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA):

Mandates that children with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). IDEA Part B addresses children and youth (ages 3-21), while Part C addresses infants and toddlers.

Assess a child for delay or disability.

No

Determine a child's initial and continuing eligibility for services related to early intervention.

No

Diagnose a disability.

No

Make a referral for evaluation.

No

Use developmental milestone charts to confirm a suspicion of delay.

No

Use the word abnormal instead of atypical.

No

Obese

Objective

Developmental Milestones:

Observable behaviors, traits, skills, or abilities that typically appear during specific age ranges.

A trained adult watches a child for a half hour as she interacts with other children in the program. The adult documents the child's typical growth and development in the Social and Emotional Developmental Domain in the child's file, writes a note to the parents, and uses the information to plan future activities.

Observation

Bruises and Welts

Physical sign of child abuse

Burns

Physical sign of child abuse

Fractures

Physical sign of child abuse

Lacerations and Abrasions

Physical sign of child abuse

Consistent Hunger

Physical sign of neglect

Inadequate Clothing

Physical sign of neglect

Poor Hygiene

Physical sign of neglect

Untreated Medical Conditions

Physical sign of neglect

Individualized Care:

Refers to attention paid to a child that recognizes and adapts to his or her unique character and physical, emotional, and cognitive traits.

You are screening a child who has multiple injuries in several stages of healing and who appears depressed and anxious.

Report suspicion to abuse hotline

You are screening a four-year-old who tells you her mother hit her on the back. You look at the child's back and see a bruise.

Report suspicion to abuse hotline

Observation and Screening Tools:

Specific items that are used to guide an observation or screening, including documents, materials, and equipment; or any combination of these items.

Nice

Subjective

Developmental Domains:

These categorize children's skills and abilities.

Deliver individualized care.

Yes

Name the developmental domains and cite examples of related skills and abilities.

Yes

Provide documented evidence of observation and screening.

Yes

Refer families to the Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resource System's Child Find.

Yes

Use developmentally appropriate practice for every child in the program.

Yes

Work with families who receive benefits under The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Yes

What method would you use to write about the development of a skill or ability after it has occurred?

anecdotal record

Poor Memory and Concentration

behavioral sign of child abuse

Strong Startle Response

behavioral sign of child abuse

Wariness of Adults

behavioral sign of child abuse

Consistent Absences or Tardiness

behavioral sign of neglect

Self-Destructive Behaviors

behavioral sign of neglect

What method would you use to note the presence or absence of demonstrated skills and abilities?

checklist

What method would you use to document children's abilities to translate their thoughts into words?

conversations

You are screening a 14-month-old child for the first time, and despite your coaxing, he crawls to you instead of walking.

do nothing

What method would you use to identify a child who may be at risk of delay or disability?

documentation

What method would you use to relay a suspicion of child abuse or neglect?

documentation

What method would you use to identify behaviors to be addressed or accommodated?

frequency count

left-handed

objective

six years of age

objective

What method would you use to quantify a child's performance of a skill or a set of skills?

rating scale

What method would you use to write about what is happening while you are observing?

running record

A trained adult watches a child for a half hour as she interacts with other children in the program. The adult documents the child's atypical growth and development as called for in a tool's Social and Emotional Developmental Domain section, and makes plans to speak to a supervisor about a possible developmental delay or disability in this domain.

screening

What method would you use to compare a child's development to other children of the same age?

standardized tests

happy

subjective

pretty

subjective

What method would you use to document children's attention spans?

time sample

What method would you use to observe a child's skill by using a product they have created?

work-sample

Provide a natural environment

yes