DCF Child Care 40 Hour Certification- Behavioral Observation and Screening (Florida) 2022/2023

Why do childcare professionals observe and screen children? - ANSWER-So they can facilitate the growth and development of every child in their program, detect early signs of development, delay or disability, and identify signs of child abuse or neglect. Observation - ANSWER-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 Developmental milestones - ANSWER-are observable behaviors, traits, skills, or abilities that typically appear at specific age ranges 3 main reasons child care programs observe and screen children are to: - ANSWER--foster growth and development - detect early signs of delay -identify signs of child abuse or neglect Early intervention - ANSWER-a system of services that helps children who have a developmental disability or delay Atypical - ANSWER-same as not typical or not expected Mandatory Reporters - ANSWER-people that must identify themselves and must report suspected abuse or neglect Documented evidence - ANSWER-written data collected by the program Observation session - ANSWER-trained adult monitors a child as they demonstrate identified skills or abilities within a developmental domain, in their natural environment Developmental Domain - ANSWER-Characterize children's skills and abilties -Physical Health and Motor Development -Cognitive Development and General Knowledge -Language and Communication -Social and Emotional