(BOSR) (exam) 100% VERIFIED
Child care professionals observe and screen children so they can - -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 - -how early childhood professionals use
certain methods to help them pay attention to the behavior and development of children
under their care.
Observation - -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 - -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 - -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 - --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 - -
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 - -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.
,FL DCF Child Care Behavioral Observation and Screening
(BOSR) (exam) 100% VERIFIED
Child care personnel should not - -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 - -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 - -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 - -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 - -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 - -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 - -they include written evidence of
a child's growth and development over time.
Written records collected by a child care professional can be - -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 -
-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.
During an observation session, a trained adult - -monitors a child as he or she
demonstrates identified skills or abilities within a developmental domain. For example, a
, FL DCF Child Care Behavioral Observation and Screening
(BOSR) (exam) 100% VERIFIED
staff member observing children's growth and development in the Physical Development
domain may document an infant's ability to roll over, a toddler's ability to walk, a
preschooler's ability to kick a ball, and a school-age child's ability to use a swing.
Observation sessions should be performed by - -a familiar person in the child's
natural environment at a time when he or she is at his or her best.
The goal is to allow the observer to - -document the child's skills and abilities fairly
and objectively.
In a quality program, results are carefully documented following - -set guidelines and
written procedures. Methods of documentation include checklists, anecdotal records, and
running records.
Observation can: - --Facilitate curriculum development
-Guide developmentally appropriate practice
-Assist in providing individualized care
-Help share information with parents and others
-Reveal signs of abuse and neglect
KEY POINT on Observation - -Observation helps a program function at its best over
several operational and functional areas.
Screening is an ongoing process conducted by child care providers and others to - -
verify that a child is developing typically or to identify early signs of delay or disability.
During a screening session, trained adults - -identify and measure specific skills and
abilities, as indicated by a screening instrument. Screening is conducted with the
understanding that it is only one source of information that can help adults better
understand a child's behavior and development; the results of any single screen are never
used in isolation.
Screening takes place recurrently, using an instrument that is proven to be - -valid,
accurate, and reliable.
Family members - -are always involved in screening, sometimes as active
participants. Every effort is made to ensure that screening is culturally relevant to the child
being screened and his or her family. Results are shared with adult members of the family
in a way that allows for thought and follow-up. This part of the process is never rushed.