[Kina]

Prepare yourself for the discussion by going over a script of what to say with a coworker. Provide the family with documentation of your observations, and then with a referral to seek additional resources.

[Diamon]

I would prepare & have a script of what to say to the parents & have some examples & documentations ready on hand on ways the child has been struggling & ways for improve, coming up with a good plan.

[Andraya]

some good ways to approach a parent about developmental screening of their child could be a touchy subject so going into it having drafted and even practiced what you are going to say to a colleague is a good idea to help ensure that you are using objective words and not subjective. you’ll also want documentation of observation and formal assessments going into the conversation so you have evidence to back up what you are talking to them about. if it is something that their child might need outside help with having a list of resources readily available for them so they know their next steps and that you have connections with those resources can help ease their worry and know that they are in good hands. ultimately I think it is important to let the parent know that you and the parent both want the same thing and that you are working towards the same goal and by getting them help early they can help them achieve proper guidance for their development and growth.

[jess]

I would say think of what you are going to say before you say it think of key things you’d like to discuss before you have the conversation bring up documentation of the instances and think of ways you can help and maybe the parents can help the child in the situation and maybe say hey even though this is happening thrive improved on the or that aka bring up som positives to maybe show that its not all complaints on negative.

[Jamie]

Your center policy might include that developmental screenings are regular and ongoing, Parents will expect the screenings to be completed and results shared with them.

[elizabeth]

I agree with this, I think finding the keywords and having some sort of plan for what you’re going to say to the parent will help prepare you for the conversation that you will be having with that child’s parent so then when you do have the conversation your prepared, not so clueless and unsure what to say stumbling across it.

[Bonnie Claire]

Go over a script of what to say with a co-worker. It also helps to actively listen. Some parents will get defensive and sensitive. Be prepared with evidence and know that you are not stating an opinion but rather gathered data.

[Kristin]

A good way to start would be to make and document observations. Then go over how to dress the parent with a coworker and make sure that you are sensitive and can back up your information and observations with knowledge not just opinion. It is good to have resources on hand. That way you aren’t just pointing out that the child needs help- you are giving the parent resources on how they can get their child the help they need to be successful and to overcome the difficulties they may be experiencing

[Jamie]

Documentation is very important. Thank you for your ideas.

[miranda]

Have some examples of ways the child has been struggling. there should be some serious concrete evidence of the child facing challenges. Also, make sure that they know that their child is not bad, you are just concerned for their learning environment.

[Ellie]

Make sure to define what you believe the child may have, and be ready to explain what observations have led you to that belief. Be ready for parents to be upset or defensive, and reassure them that their child is healthy and that you’re not a doctor, but believe they should be screened. Be ready with a script and have a coworker to back you up, and have a list of resources available.

[Hadiya]

Prepare and practice what you will say. Provide documentation/ evidence based findings. Be gracious and understanding of the parents feelings and provide them with resources to support them and their child.

[Timothy]

prepare for conversation. Be gentle, but clear, providing clear understanding of typical guidelines and examples of child showing atypical development. Supply clear next steps.

[Lauren]

Some good ways to approach a parent to talk about such sensitive topics could be; practice with a coworker about how you would approach the parents, have a list of your observations and a list of resources or at least one resource for the parents to use. Be clear about what their child is struggling with and also go into conversation with compassion and care because it can be a sensitive topic.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 4 months ago by  Lauren.

[Personal]

I think the key to approach developmental screening with parents is to make it as something normal to go over through the year. Since parents can be sensitive when receiving red flags about their child development, it is vital to be well prepared. Teachers should be knowledgeable about children development stages and keep organized records of the classroom screening documentation of each child, so they can support their statements and provide data if necessary. It is also important that you confide this information with the director or an approved co-worker who is knowledgeable is this subject as well, so they can offer feedback and help you get ready for your teacher-parent meeting. Finally, be ready to offer local referrals that can help the kid and parents find solutions.

[Maria]

First, I will need to observe the child, if I notice red flags, then I first need to talk to colleagues, then I need to prepare well to inform parents about their child and find more resources about red flags and how to solve it.

[Tawna]

I would make sure I write down all detailed observations. I would also be ready to let them know what key components of an average students in contrast with what you know to be accurate levels of learning targets. Also, I would offer time for questions about contacting another resource centers and letting them know the process.

[El Sollman]

One effective way to approach a parent about developmental screening of their child is to use facts instead of feelings. By showing the parents the typical developmental standards compared to their child’s developmental history through tests and observations that are recorded there isn’t opinions involved. It’s also helpful to have resources ready and available for them.

[Meghan]

By documenting observations of what you have seen and comparing them to the “typically expected” developmental milestones. This needs to done privately and non judgementally