1. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Chapters 4 and 5 Helpful Administration and Interpretation Strategies for the Novice Practitioner

2. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The Evaluation Process The evaluation process has three stages: 1.Pre-evaluation planning 2.Evaluation activities 3.Post-assessment activities

3. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Number 1 Rule Health and Safety Come First!

4. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Prior to Administration Read the textbook very carefully! Team members should spend ample time in practice sessions to enhance observation and interview skills. Practice administration of test items in the context of play with typical children to develop a level of comfort. Understand how to record information.

5. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Organize Materials Refer to text for a list of suggested toys. Invest in a durable toy bag with pockets. Always use clean and disinfected toys. Check to make sure that toys and materials are safe and developmentally appropriate for each child. Understand which toy elicits the desired response. Know what you have and where it is located to decrease child’s waiting time.

6. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Work Together as a Team Collaborative teamwork takes time! Review referral problem and background information. Follow state guidelines for conducting an evaluation, for example, Doctor’s Rx. Obtain permission to review medical records as appropriate.

7. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Designate Team Roles Team leader? Initial contact with family? Caregiver interview? Examiner or play facilitator? Recorder for each discipline? Contact with lead agency for early intervention?

8. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Helpful Suggestions for Recording Write down EVERYTHING during session! Fill out response sheets completely. Do not leave anything to memory. Jot down everything and anything you think is relevant to understanding the child. Use separate recording forms or initials to distinguish between more than one caregiver. Put the date on each section, especially if using serial assessment.

9. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Guidelines for Interpretation The PIP has been developed with a flexible system for scoring and interpretation and can easily be adapted to the varied criteria that each state has established for eligibility into early intervention services. Check your state and county early intervention agencies for specific criteria and evaluation timelines.

10. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Clinical Judgment There is an art and science to interpretation. Numbers alone rarely reflect the full picture of a child’s behavior and performance. The pace of development is unequal across the early months. Infants and young children are difficult to assess and are variable in their performance. Clinical judgment is based on a broad-based knowledge of child development in combination with years of clinical experience.

11. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Looking Beyond the Numbers! Interpretation does not end with identification of percentages or degrees of delay! Valuable information about learning styles is gleaned from noting how children solve problems, communicate their wants and needs, and respond to environmental changes. Assessment information should be linked to intervention.

12. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Formulating Recommendations Work in Partnership with Families! The parents or caregivers MUST be involved this phase of the evaluation! A family’s cultural context MUST be considered!

13. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Cultural Context Attitudes Beliefs Customs Values Languages Behaviors Priorities Perceptions Goals Communication style Decision-making Family history

14. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Transitions and Closure Early intervention (EI) practitioners need to support families during and after the evaluation process. It is often difficult for families to negotiate through the early intervention system. Always be cognizant that families have invested a trust in your ability to answer their questions, assist them with decision-making, and guide them through an important life-changing transition. It is a huge ethical responsibility and an honor.

15. Copyright © 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Reflection It is important for early intervention practitioners to engage in active self-reflection regarding their own performance during the evaluation process. Developing the necessary field maturity to conduct an honest appraisal of one’s abilities and talents takes courage. There is truth in the lesson that partnerships with families is a reciprocal learning experience for us all!