FL DCF Child Care Behavioral Observation and Screening (BOSR) UPDATED & VERIFIED

FL DCF Child Care Behavioral Observation and Screening (BOSR) UPDATED & VERIFIED Child care professionals observe and screen children so they can - ANSWER 1. Facilitate the growth and development of every child in their program, 2. Detect early signs of developmental delay or disability, 3. Identify signs of child abuse or neglect. Observation and screening describe - ANSWER how early childhood professionals use certain methods to help them pay attention to the behavior and development of children under their care. Observation - ANSWER is an ongoing process in which child care professionals recognize and document identifiable developmental milestones as they appear, using tools such as checklists, anecdotal records, and running records. Screening - ANSWER is an ongoing process in which child care professionals use specialized observation and documentation tools to identify, document, and monitor typical development or possible developmental delay. The three main reasons child care programs observe and screen children are to - ANSWER 1. To foster growth and development in every child, 2. Detect early signs of developmental delay or disability, and 3. Identify signs of child abuse and neglect. These processes are also used to support - ANSWER -quality curriculum development; -help parents support growth and development at home; -allow timely referral for early intervention services; and -provide a common reference point and basis for interaction between parents, program staff, and other professionals. Observation and screening foster growth and development in every child by - ANSWER determining the child's developmental-age level and by using the information obtained from observation and screening to develop inside and outside learning spaces, personal care routines, communication and interaction practices, learning activities, and program policies and procedures. Observation and screening can detect early signs of developmental delay or disability when - ANSWER child care staff members are trained to identify and document signs of typical or atypical growth and development. Since staff members see children throughout the day and have training in child growth and development, they may be in the best position to spot the earliest signs of atypical development. Therefore, staff may be in the best position to help the child and family. Child care personnel should not - ANSWER attempt to diagnose delay or disability. Instead, they should document typical and atypical patterns of development and take appropriate action as defined by their program's written policies and procedures. Observation and screening can help child care professionals identify the signs of child abuse and neglect by - ANSWER reporting any suspected abuse or neglect and can do so anonymously. However, people who work with children are required by law to identify themselves when they report suspected child abuse or neglect. Failure to report suspected abuse or neglect is a felony of the third degree in Florida. Observation and screening support quality curriculum development by - ANSWER focusing learning goals and objectives, lesson plans, and teaching strategies on the development and implementation of activities that strengthen the child's skills. The best child care professionals can recognize what each child knows and can do, and uses this information to help increase skills, abilities, and knowledge. Observation and screening can help parents support their child's growth and development at home by - ANSWER increasing the volume and quality of information available to them. When quality information is combined with the professional services provided by a child care program, a child's outcomes improve, both at the program and at home. Observation and screening allow - ANSWER timely referral for intervention. The earlier signs of developmental delay or disability are identified, the better the outcome for the child. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends - ANSWER that all children be screened for developmental delays and disabilities during regular well-child doctor visits at 9 months, 18 months, and 24 or 30 months. However, observation of a child can begin at birth. Observation and screening provide an opportunity for communication between parents, staff, and child development specialists because - ANSWER they include written evidence of a child's growth and development over time. Written records collected by a child care professional can be - ANSWER critical to a team of people who are helping a child with developmental delay or disability. Child care programs observe and screen children because these processes support - ANSWER quality curriculum development; help parents support growth and development at home; allow timely referral for early intervention services; and provide a common reference point and basis for interaction between parents, program staff, and other professionals.