Topics covered in this course include: an introduction to child development; screening, evaluation and assessment; writing functional outcomes; working in natural environments for families; and selecting and developing interventions.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Discuss the differences among typical child development, developmental delays, and developmental differences.
- Describe Early Start evaluation and assessment requirements and recommended practices.
- Write a functional outcome statement that is measurable and meaningful.
- Describe the delivery and benefits of services in natural environments for families.
- Identify intervention strategies based on the assessed needs of a child and the natural environments and resources of the child’s family.
Topics Covered
Topic 1: Child Development
- Early brain development
- Developmental domains and stages
- Developmental differences and delays
- Levels of intervention
- Risks and protective factors
Topic 2: Screening, Evaluation, and Assessment
- Assessment team members
- Definitions: screening, evaluation, assessment
- Components of a comprehensive assessment
- Family assessment
- Assessment tools
- Communicating about assessment results
Topic 3: Creating Functional Outcomes
- What is an outcome?
- Child and family outcomes
- Required outcome components
- Functional outcomes
- SMART outcome statements
Topic 4: Natural Environments for Families
- Natural environments: everyday routines, relationships, activities, places, and partnerships
- Requirements and principles
- Benefits of providing services in natural environments of children and families
Topic 5: Selecting and Developing Interventions
- Factors to consider in selecting and developing interventions
- Integrating assessment results to determine services
- Service approaches: relationship-based, play-based, natural learning opportunities
- Providing services through coaching