Module II: Evaluation and Assessment
Unit III Lesson 2: Family involvement
Another reason to understand evaluation and assessment is because, as professionals, we must reflect on what the activities mean to families. Families choose their level of involvement in assessment activities. Part of our role is to discover how to best include families. We need to be better prepared to listen to them and to incorporate what their questions, concerns, and issues are in the process. How we interact with families through evaluation and assessment and the development of the initial IFSP can significantly impact both how families view their role in First Steps, and how they participate in the process
Finally, as professionals, we must understand what role we play on the team as we conduct evaluation and assessment activities. Traditionally, professionals functioned as independent specialists in isolation from each other. This structure does not foster assessments, evaluations, reports, or outcome and strategy development that reflect the view of the child as an integrated, interactive whole who lives in a family. Team interaction is important.
This has been a general discussion to make you aware of the major concepts that are in the parctice manual. At this point, please review the information we have covered by reading Chapter 5: Intake, Evaluation, Assessment click here (http://www.dese.mo.gov/divspeced/FirstSteps/pdfs/FSEIChap5.pdf)
and then reading Chaper 6: Eligibility Determination from the Missouri First Steps Early Intervention System Practice Manual by clicking here. http://www.dese.mo.gov/divspeced/FirstSteps/pdfs/FSEIChap6.pdf)
Review questions:
1. What is the only reason that the 45 day time limit may be exceeded?
2. When the parents are given the Parental Rights brochure, what else is given to them?
3. What is the purpose of a screening?
4. What does "at-risk" mean for children under Part C?
5. What five components are manadatory for a multidisciplinary evaluation under state and federal law?
Reflection questions:
1. If parents refuse services and the Intake Coordinator thinks the rejection would constitute neglect as defined by the Child Abuse and Neglect Laws of Missouri, Section 210.110 RSMo, what should the Intake Coordinator do?
2. The Intake Coordinator gathers and reviews all existing data and observations. Why is it important to do this before scheduling any assessments specifically for FS?
3. Describe a situation where a medical diagnosis has determined a developmental delay of less than 50%, yet the child is properly admitted for services in FS.
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If you have a question about this module please check the Q & A pages. If you still have a question after reviewing the Q & A pages please send an email to: webreplyspefs@dese.mo.gov or call 573.751.0187