[Gabrielle Hedgemon]

parents don’t like hearing any thing negative about their child, so it is important to speak on the growth on the child and what they are doing really well and then you can talk to the parent privately about any other additional things needed to know about there development.

[Serena Lopez Mendoza]

Approach the parent gently, explaining that developmental screening helps catch any potential issues early on. Reassure them it’s a routine check-up and offer support throughout the process. Encourage open communication and teamwork between the parent and healthcare provider.

[Kelli]

Some good ways to approach a parent is making sure you communicate with your director/co teacher FIRST to come up with a suitable way to introduce this concept with the parent. Writing out a plan on where to start and points to talk about, can help you not be so nervous and jumble up your words. Make sure you ask for good time and day to talk to them so they aren’t rushed and they make time and are prepared for the conversation. Also, don’t forget to show proof! Make sure when making these observations you write them down so when a parents asks what has made you think the way you do, that you can give them good points so they see where you’re coming from!

[Kaitlin Hudspeth]

There are some good methods to approach a parent about a developmental screening of their child, however, it can be a rough subject for certain parents. So preparing a drafted script for yourself with key talking points about the assessment screenings for a developmental path will help touch up on the main points and leave out room for communication errors. Even practicing what you will say to a colleague is a great idea to help ensure that you are using objective words and not subjective ones. 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 further assistance outside the program, then, being prepared with a list of resources available for their next steps will help ease any doubts or conflicts and reassure their child is in good care. Genuinely, 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 by getting their kids the proper guidance for their learning developmental paths.

[Cassandra Mares]

It is important to have detailed reports and knowledge of the milestones and development their child has been making, and which ones need a little more assistance. Having all the resources readily available for how to help their child meet these goals is also extremely important.

[Hannah Beebe]

I think it’s important to share both milestones the child has reached and progress they’ve made as well as the developmental concerns. I think I’d start with explaining that even with “perfect parenting” a child isn’t always going to do the expected. I think this would make the parent less defensive. Then try and be specific by not accusatory is explaining how this red flag came to be and what we can do to fix it. While also praising the parents efforts.

[Sonny Helms]

When approaching a parent about the developmental screening of their child, it is important to run your observations and strategies by a trusted co-worker to avoid any possible miscommunication and to help ease some of your anxieties. Remember to stick to your objective observations of the child’s behavior and not include any judgements or assumptions. Come to the conversation with documentation of your observations. Ask the parent about their experiences at home and if their observations match yours or if they have had any concerns. Be prepared to answer questions about next steps and have resources available to them.

[Kassandra]

When approaching a parent about the developmental screening of a child I would first arrange a meeting face to face and acknowledge the parents feeling about the meeting. Then I would have a document providing evidence about the child development to backup my claim. I will make sure that I am being kind and courteous in every conversation with parents about their children

[Josie]

First get all of your documentation that you will need. Then write what you are going to say to them about their child. If you have a trusted co-teacher or your center director run what you are going to say by them and see if there is anything that you could say to make the family feel better about the situation.

[Genesis Berg]

having a conversation with the parent and keeping an open mind find out what concerns the child parents might have first to open your thoughts

[Maria H]

utilizar las palabras claves y adecuadas para la observacion que se vaya a realizar es importante, ser objetivo, profesional, sin juzgar y conversar acerca de situaciones ciertas y objetivas que hayan ocurrido porque de esa manera se demuestra comprobacion de eventos y no suposiciones las cuales crean desconfianza, consideraria tambien la opcion de preparar mi informe y discutirlo antes de reunirme con los padres con mi colega para disertar nuestros puntos de vista y eso me permitira lograr el objetivo positivo para lograr lo mas importante que es el adecuado desarrollo del nino.

[Trainer]

Maria’s response emphasizes the importance of using appropriate language, being objective, and discussing specific, factual observations with parents. Collaboration with colleagues is also highlighted. Great suggestions!

[Trainer]

Maria’s approach of using appropriate language, being objective, and discussing factual situations with parents is commendable. Preparing and discussing the report with a colleague will enhance the positive outcome.

[Sasha]

Prepare with a coworker beforehand about what you are going to say. Keep thorough observations and documentation as evidence to parents. Have resources on hand to provide to parents in order to help them or provide more information about what you shared.

[Nizhoni]

Be empathetic and be ready to explain why this is needed. This could be a sensitive subject to some parents and I would make sure to have all the facts.