[Jayhla tatro]

An affective approach would be talkin with the parent and telling them the notes or the things that you may need to discuss in a professional matter

[Rubi Ruelas]

What are some good ways to approach a parent about the developmental screening of their child?

1. Schedule a meeting with guardians, especially during a typical conference.
2. Be prepared. Have child’s records: observational record, developmental record/progression record,
evidenced-based domains of development, and resources concerned with area of specified screening.
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3. Discuss strengths and progression of student, praising milestones achieved, and further
learning about the family, listen for any concerns the parents may have.
4. There are a few creative ways you can engage parents into discussion concerning specified screening,
a. “I have noticed an area of _____’s development that I would like to discuss with you about.”
b. Transition focus. “She doesn’t say much words- how is she at home?” (if discussing development of
language/possible screening for speech therapy.
c. If not during a conference. When guardians are dropping of child, greet them, and ask if they have
time that week to stay for at least 30mins to talk after class. Ensure them not to worry.

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[Skylar Salsbury]

I would meet with my director and work with them on some key points and what we will and won’t say. I would make sure to make eye contact with the parents be be respectful of their feelings and thoughts. I would make sure to listen to everything they have to say about evaluations before giving my opinion and helping them navigate why and how it could benefit their child.

[Kaydence Meikle]

Start off the conversation by asking the guardians of the child to come in or ask them to step aside, prepare them for the conversation you are about to have with them. It’s important to not make any claims, you are not a doctor so don’t put a label on any behavior. Just let the parents know that you have been noticing certain behavior and that it pops up as a red flag within the child development process.

[Mo]

Make sure that your observations line up with state guidelines so you can confidently share your findings about the children, note that an evaluation is not to be seen as a negative, but as a way to prevent any set backs from further development, and share state guidelines, resources, and information about the child’s developmental age group with the parents. Having a standard procedure for approaching this topic would be very helpful as well, as it will help keep things on topic. Remind the parents/caregivers that their child’s development is in your best interest, and you only want to see them thrive, and be sure to open the door for further communication and support. Then, give parents/caregivers trusted referrals and resources for evaluations and developmental information.

[Sara F.]

You should, first, familiarize yourself with developmental milestones and red flags. After doing so, you will be able to collect objective observational data that will help you understand the child’s development and, later, inform parents of your observations in a detailed manner. Before engaging in conversation with parents about the developmental screening of their child, practice a script with a co-worker and prepare to understand and validate parents’ perspectives and emotions, which may become defensive or upset during a difficult conversation.

[Hatch]

be gentle, straightforward, have evidence, and understanding

[Christine Taft]

I think it is important to not assume that the caregivers haven’t noticed anything. Start with questions, such as, “I was wondering if you have experienced” or “if you have noticed.” Let their responses help to lead the conversation. Oftentimes, the parent is already aware even when we don’t think they are. Secondly, this helps to take them off the defense. It helps this to feel like a collaboration rather then us just blasting them with the news that something is wrong with their child.

[Yaire Campos-Cigarroa]

first, we want to make sure with our coworker that whatever we say come out the right way, and not in a way that will make the parents get super alarmed. Once we have done that. we wanna write down any observation we might have objectively, this way what we share won’t just be our opinion, but instead, it will be evidence of how the kid is lacking in a certain area of his/her development. We want to reassure the parent that there are great resources out there to help their child out, and to be able to do that, then we have to know what resources really are out there. This way we can let them know they will be greatly taken care of. Lastly, it is important that anything we talk about with the parent stays within the teacher and parent. No one else is allowed to know about this other than staff or even just the parents and teacher. this way the family can be calm about their child’s development progress being confidential

[olivia grace]

Make sure to prepare and the go over a script with a co-worker to help make sure the way you are addressing the family is correct. Make sure to have your collected observations and data ready to provide for the family. And always make sure any conversation regarding a child’s progress and development is ALWAYS kept confidential between only the parents and approved co teachers.

[Renee]

I totally agree! Having all the documentation and recourses available for the parents will help out a lot.

[Sutharya Dunfee]

have resource available to share with the parents. talk in first person and only about their child. leave words out about describing a child but just say Het I noticed … then discuss possible solutions and provide Resorces and tips on what parents can do at home. it helps when you have a friendly voice and not like a anger voice, you can have a concerned voice, but don’t overdo it. Also, at the end of the conversation reassure the parent of their concerns or guilt because parents will feel guilt that they didn’t do enough for the child.

[Lynn Lancashire]

First, working with a co-worker to script your discussion is a good way to start.

Good documentation of your observations and knowledge of typical child development will help you to share the information objectively, (based on evidence, not opinion).

Knowing the local resources for referral is essential to help families understand what their next steps are.

[Hideyo]

This topic is very sensitive and sometimes painful to hear for the family of the child. So, it’s better to have clear objective observation and, it’s better to know about the family and discuss the best way to approach them with co-workers, before sharing it with the family. After that, the providers suggest a good plan for the child. Don’t rush and let them have space to think and be open to their questions by being considerate of how the family feel.

[Kelly]

Make sure to practice and draft what needs to be talked about. Be sure to have proper documentation, and evidence to support what your findings. It could be a touchy subject, and hard to hear for parents so to be supportive and understanding.