How do we identify young children with additional needs?
Most of us by our years of experience in children services, will have our radars up when we see a child interacting differently with their peers. Let's give the child a name - Aaron.
We know that Aaron needs help. At 24 months old, he is not walking. He has no single words. Aaron is still babbling. He is not even aware that you have left for work. He does not wave 'goodbye'. He does not look for you when the thunder roars.
How do we explain our years of experiences to Aaron's parents? Aaron is their first born so they have no other children as comparison. Aaron is still a bub. He is only 24 months old they tell you. Give him some time.
Try using a developmental checklist. Items in Developmental checklists have been derived from observation of many children in the age group. The checklist will give parents/caregivers a better developmental breakdown of children's strengths and developmental areas that needed improvement. It will definitely help with your SSP and Programming.
In Aaron's case, sit down with parents and ask them to answer those questions alongside with you. Parents will be concern when Aaron does not get all "checks" on the checklist for 18 months old, let alone a checklist for 2 years old.
Contact your Inclusion Support Facilitator. They will be able to give you a few samples of developmental checklists that are simple to administer and evaluate.
- written by Angela
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