Child Care Basics
Public Washington
Public Washington
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Public Washington
How to approach a parent about developmental screening of their child?
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How to approach a parent about developmental screening of their child?
Trainer replied 3 months, 1 week ago 359 Members · 1,168 Reply
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Jeana L Bisping
MemberMay 22, 2024 at 10:42 pmI would talk with the other teacher in the classroom and my director about it first find out what their opinion on how to approach the situation. I would then try to word the situation in the best way possible. I would want to follow a script as much as possible, as those are probably worded with the best practices in mind. Until I was confident in certain situations with parents and relaying information about the development of their child, I would defer to someone who knows more than I do at the moment.
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katelyn roberts
MemberMay 23, 2024 at 9:33 pmpractice or rehearsal of what you are going to say with yourself or a trusted coworker will help when it comes time to have that tuff conversation with the parents and since you probably will be the first to notice these things about the child it is important to be prepared for the convo as a whole by having referrals or resources available to share with the family.
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Viktoriia Prozorova
MemberMay 26, 2024 at 5:04 amcite some instances of the child’s difficulties. There should be solid, verifiable proof that the child is struggling. Additionally, let them know that you are only worried about their learning environment and that their child is not bad.
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Rachel Sowle
MemberMay 26, 2024 at 7:13 pmin approaching a parent about their child you need to lead with empathy and support. recognizing that it may feel like a slight against them and communicating in a way that avoids implication is important. practice what you are going to say to make sure you dont come across as accusatory, having supporting evidence of the “red flag” behaviors for the specific assessment needed, and offering assistance and access to related supports can help reduce defensiveness. Do your best to ensure the parent knows youre trying to help and not hurt.
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Lacee Peterson
MemberMay 29, 2024 at 2:30 amIf I was to approach a parent about developmental screening, I would make sure to do in privately after I have already made a connection and formed a positive relationship with the parent. I would explain the process and be open and honest. I would ask for their opinion on the topic and make sure that all their questions get answered.
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Megan
MemberMay 29, 2024 at 11:23 pmApproach the parent with a plan in mind already of what areas you would like to discuss, and be prepared to answer questions they may have about the assessment and what it means.
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Megan Gilbertson
MemberMay 31, 2024 at 5:52 pmWays to have discussions with families or parents are to go over the conversations and create a script with a coworker. This way you can go into the conversation ready and prepared with what to say.
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Megan, your suggestion to practice and prepare for discussions with parents is excellent. It can help build confidence and ensure effective communication.
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Theresa
MemberJune 2, 2024 at 7:16 am<ul type=”disc”>
- Prior to meeting with the parents, document your observations
and review the stages of typical child development. Start the conversation with acknowledging we are all working to support the needs and success of the child and want to partner with the parents to plan strategies and resources that will support their child’s development. Be sure to share evidenced based observations with supportive materials if available. Know the next steps in offering support, being able to share community resource contact information and processes. - Prior to meeting with the parents, document your observations
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Heather Schulte
MemberJune 3, 2024 at 6:26 amInform the parent that you have information in regards to the developmental screening of their child, and would like to schedule some time to review the information when it fits into the parent’s schedule. Tell the parent that you have developmental information that you would like to share with them when they are available. Tell the parent that you have information about their child that you would like to share with them if they’re not too busy.
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Gracie Butler
MemberJune 3, 2024 at 5:33 pmApproaching a parent about the developmental screening of their child requires sensitivity and clear communication. Here are some steps to consider:
- Start with empathy: Begin the conversation by expressing empathy and understanding towards the parent’s concerns and feelings about their child’s development. Let them know that you’re there to support them and their child.
- Provide information: Educate the parent about the importance of developmental screening and its role in identifying any potential developmental delays or concerns early on. Explain that early intervention can make a significant difference in a child’s development.
- Highlight benefits: Emphasize the benefits of developmental screening, such as early identification of any developmental issues, access to appropriate interventions and support services, and better outcomes for the child in the long run.
- Assure confidentiality: Reassure the parent that any information shared during the screening process will be kept confidential and used solely for the purpose of supporting their child’s development.
- Encourage participation: Encourage the parent to actively participate in the screening process and ask any questions or raise any concerns they may have. Let them know that their input is valuable and will help ensure the screening is comprehensive and effective.
- Offer support: Let the parent know that you’re available to provide support and guidance throughout the screening process and beyond. Offer to connect them with resources, specialists, or support groups if needed.
- Respect their decision: Respect the parent’s decision whether they choose to proceed with the developmental screening or not. It’s important to acknowledge their autonomy and decision-making authority regarding their child’s care.
By approaching the conversation with empathy, providing information, highlighting benefits, assuring confidentiality, encouraging participation, offering support, and respecting their decision, you can effectively engage parents in the developmental screening process for their child.
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Angelina
MemberJune 4, 2024 at 9:27 pmI feel it is best to practice what you are going to say because screening may be a touchy subject with some parents. Being mindful of body language and the way you say things is important. It would be best to have a script, discuss examples of behavior and share documented observations, as well as having a list of referrals or other resources to recommend and share with the family or guardian. I think in this scenario it is important to also highlight what the child is doing well or succeeding in.
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Meigan Luong
MemberJune 6, 2024 at 5:36 pmWhat are some good ways to approach a parent about the developmental screening of their child?
There are a lot of good ways to approach a parents about developmental screening of their child. I think the most important piece is that a pre-established relationship with the family is strong to allow for this to be a productive conversation. Many families may feel defensive or singled out, so a good relationship and communication is key. I’d approach the conversation with discussing strengths and positives about the child to reinforce the love and care that we have for them. I’d then begin discussing some of the challenges/ delays we’re seeing and express that the conversation is coming from a place of care for the child and their life-long development. Listen to the family’s concerns and reiterate that this is a team conversation in supporting them and the child.
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Aleecia Renderos
MemberJune 11, 2024 at 4:04 amtalk to them about concerns at school, and see if they have any at home. and compare as well as contrast the two and see if its something they would be interested in. be supportive
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Some good ways to approach a parent about the developmental screening of their child include doing it in a confidential manner, practicing with a coworker, being sensitive through the process, and being open for the parent to ask any questions.