COMMUNICATING RESULTS
Preparing to Meet with FamiliesBe timely. Provide screening follow-up information as quickly as possible. Set a time that works for the family. Make sure there is enough time for discussion/questions.
Show you Value ConfidentialitySelect a private, comfortable place to meet. Let the family know information shared will be kept confidential.
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Consider Cultural or Language Issues
What is the family’s home language? Do you need an interpreter? What family members should be at the meeting?
Reviewing Results Together with Families
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Begin the meeting by celebrating the child.
Restate the purpose of screening: Review the parent-completed Start with skills marked YES! Look at “Not Yet” items. Discuss any parent concerns. Review Results Together :Remember to start with areas of strength, avoid terms such as pass/fail/test. Use terms such as on-schedule, monitor, below cutoff Listen/discuss parent concerns “Tell me more about….” |
Restate factors to consider. “What these results tell us is that it would be good to get more information to understand what might be going on for…”
Think about where the parent is in this process. -If parents are expressing concerns they may be ready to refer. If parents are not concerned or if this is all new information, it might take a little longer. Know your community resources. Help parents take next steps. Provide referral information for your local Early Intervention or Special Education program. Support parents to make the referral. |
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Be ready for big feelings, or no feelings. Stay calm. Support parent when they are ready. Your role is to support, guide and inform parents about resources.
If parents are not ready to make a referral, that is their choice. Remember you can always support the development of the child in your classroom. Courtesy Oregon Online Screening Project: Child Care Provider Toolkit
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