[Kristin]

Hi

[chrissa]

tell the parent that you have noticed that their child is having trouble with certain developmental milestones and ask if they have noticed any changes in their child or have noticed their child having any trouble with certain milestones and suggest a development screening of the child and show them all of the information and all of the positive outcomes it could bring upon their child

[Gisela]

Prepare before meeting the parent. Be ready to show documentation of your observations about the child. You can practice your presentation with a co-worker. Also be ready to provide the parent with the local resources available. Meet the parent and state your observations, show a record of observations. Make a suggestion to have the child assessed. Give the available resources they can get. Reassure the parent of the confidentiality of the documentation.

[Sarah]

Hear the parents’ or guardians’ perspective and ask them questions.

Practice what you want to share with the parent with a co-worker.

Maintain good documentation of observations and knowledge of typical child development to assist with being objective.

Share what your are observing, ask them what they are seeing at home. Maybe they do it at home?

Involve them in sharing strategies to support the child to develop the milestones you aren’t seeing.

Be knowledgeable of community resources centered around child development.

Maintain confidentiality

[Vanessa Reyes]

A good way to approach a parent about the developmental screening of their child is by giving the parent accurate information in a non-judgmental way.

[Nguyen Vo]

Some good ways to approach a parent about developmental screening of their child are:

1. Working with a co-worker to script your discussion.

2. Knowing the local resources for referral.

3. Refer families with confidence that they will be in good care.

4. Keep all observations and referrals confidential.

[Hayley Miller]

Have supporting documents to show what you mean as well as the guidelines of where the child should be for their age. Practice with a peer so you are prepared and know what to say. Always come from a place of love and concern for a child, both you and the parents want what is best for the child. Explain that just because children are developing differently doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing. Sometimes kids need a little extra help to get to the levels they should be at or even a visit to the doctor just to make sure everything is ok. Come from a place of knowing that the parents know their child better than you do and it takes a village to keep children happy and healthy, we are all in this together. You can’t force people to get the help that you think they may need but you can share your concerns and hope that they listen.

[Katrina Simental]

I have worked in situations where it was my job to let parents know how milestones are being met and I think a key factor was always coming at it from a team based approach to ensure the parents don’t feel like they are failing or doing something incorrect. Coming at it from a team based approach and offering hope in a very touchy situation can really change the tone of the conversation.

[Natylee]

Starting from a place of curiosity can be a good conversation starter. You might say, “I have noticed _____. Have you noticed similar things at home?”

[Katrina Conway]

First, a childcare provider should work with a coworker to decide how they are going to go about the discussion. Before a childcare provider speaks with the parent, they should have good documentation of observations of the child and be able to explain what normal development looks like. Referring out is a big part of the process and knowing the options of where to refer a family to for help.

[Natalia]

As a teacher, my responsibility is to approach correctly when it comes to talking about a child’s developmental screening before discussing it with the child’s family/parent.

First, I must do the observations, and focus on the red flags. Make sure that the red flags are correctly diagnosed, if have some doubts talk to parents more to gather more information about my observations. Then I will build a portfolio based on curriculum achievement and do the statistics about the child’s development at that time. I will work on a child’s portfolio and discuss it with a co-teacher or director. Then I would invite the parent to the table with some coffee/tea and a snack and try delicately to express myself about the child’s developmental skill of his/her age, without using no-objective words. If the parents decide the information to be confidential the child’s portfolio and records will be kept confidential in the director’s office.

[Coleen]

– have good documentation over a sufficient period of time to show consistent observations

– script it and practice with co worker

-show confidence in resources that you refer them to

– don’t make judgements or conclusions, and stick to the observations

– reassure parents with understanding but maintain a positive outlook on long term goals for child.

[Danielle]

Have a plan of what you are going to say ask a co-worker if you can maybe practice on them and listen to their advice and input. If possible, try to use the happy sandwich method where you start with something positive/good (be specific), let them know your concerns and suggestions and then another positive about their child. For the concern and suggestions make sure you have documentation and listen to what the family has to say. Make sure to be descriptive without being judgmental and support the parents efforts if they voice any or if you have notice any.

[Trainer]

Danielle, your approach is thoughtful and considerate. Practicing with a co-worker and using the happy sandwich method can help make the conversation constructive and supportive. Good advice!

[Mary]

It’s important to have materials prepared, including all documentation and local resources for the family. Emotionally prepare to meet the parents where they’re at, as receiving this news can be difficult, and prepare for an array of responses. Practice with your co-teacher if possible.

[Maira]

This can be a sensitive topic for some parents. Handle the conversation with care, empathy and professionalism to ensure that the parents feel supported and understood. Choose the right time and place, start with positives, explain the purpose of developmental screening. Provide resources. Most of all be supportive.