Concerned about a child?

Sharing information about a child’s development with colleagues, supervisors, home visitors or parents is a sensitive and sometime difficult task.  Here are a few tips to make it easier:

• Know the milestones.
• Observe the child in various situations & activities.
• Use more than 1 observer where possible, since a second pair of eyes is often helpful.
• Record observations:  date and describe behaviour.
• Remember to note both the child’s strengths and challenges.
• Compare your observations to the milestones brochure or the Ages & Stages online screening.

Your relationship with families is an important part of caring for children. Once you’re ready to approach the family, remember:

• Choose the right time and place. The rush at drop off or pick up might not allow for enough time and individual attention. Make an appointment to speak privately.
• Share your observations and provide information about milestones.
• Use simple, clear words; describe behaviour.
• Allow parents time to take in the information and respond.
• Listen to the parent.
• Remember that opinions may differ.
• Reassure parents:  remind them that 10% of all preschool aged children have speech and/or language delays.
• Provide information about how to access First Words services.
• Respect that parents are the decision makers for their children.
• Remember:  parents go at their own pace – don’t give up if parents don’t act right away, keep supplying information and support.