The following has been developed by the Healthy Babies / Healthy Children program sponsored by the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit to assist healthcare professionals to direct a parent or caregiver with the use of the Nipissing District Developmental ScreenUSA.
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Suggested Script |
1. Explain the purpose of the screen (and select age-appropriate screen if necessary.)
Rationale: It is important to support parents in their involvement with completing the screen. A brief explanation will not frighten them, and encourages their participation.
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"We have a quick checklist that looks at the things we would expect a child of this age to be doing. There are 12-14 items on the checklist. Do you have a few minutes so we can go over it together?" |
2. Encourage parents to observe their child’s behaviours. Advise them that this is one of a series of checklists. Complete the checklist.
Rationale: We want parents to take a few minutes every couple of months to observe the development of their child. It is important to provide age-appropriate activities to encourage healthy child development and to enable the child’s skills to develop as per the checklists.
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“We encourage parents to observe their child’s behaviour to identify what their child is accomplishing. We have several Screens available from birth to age 6 to help parents with this.” |
3. If a “NO” is identified, explore the circumstance(s) that would relate and note them on the Screen.
Rationale: Even if only one “NO” is identified, it is important to re-assess the situation and explore further.
For Example: if a child has never been given scissors, then you could coach parents on the use of safety scissors to help the child develop this skill. However, we must also ensure appropriate follow-up is arranged (i.e., check in, or call back within two months, then complete another Screen.)
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“I see you have identified that your child does not do this particular skill. What kinds of activities is your child active in to encourage this development?” |
4. Refer appropriately (i.e. to physician or to a community clinic).
• An inventory of local community resources is necessary (i.e. pamphlets).
• If a referral is made by an agency, ensure that consent is obtained from the parent in order to send information
Rationale: Parents will be at various points of acceptance. Some will want their child immediately referred for an assessment while others will need time to think about it. You will need to stress the importance of follow-up regarding early identification, as this is important for school readiness, etc.
If the family is interested in the services of HB/HC, contact your local Health Centre.
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“We have identified two or more items on the checklist that we would like to follow-up on. We have multiple services in our community that could meet your needs. Would you like me to call them, or would you prefer to follow-up?” |
5. Offer suggestions to encourage healthy child development.
Rationale: To encourage healthy child development, the Nipissing District Developmental Screen has activities designed for the age of your child. These are provided on the right-hand side of the checklist.
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“Attached to the Screen are suggested activities that you can do with your child that are appropriate for his/her age group. Would you like me to review these with you?” |
6. Parents may retain the activity portion of the screen. If the parents wish to retain the actual screen, make a photocopy and forward it to Healthy Babies / Healthy Children. (Ensure that the parent’s name, the child’s name and date-of birth are on the screen you are forwarding to HB/HC.)
Rationale: Healthy Babies / Healthy Children has the capacity and system to track screening and assessment information. Completed Nipissing District Developmental Screens will be placed in the family chart. If a chart has not been created, screens will be placed in a binder for tracking purposes.
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Q: “Can we retain this Screen?
A: We put this with any other information we may have about your child through the Healthy Babies / Healthy Children Program.” |
7. If information has been provided by telephone, track the call on the "Nipissing District Developmental Screen * Tracking Sheet"
Rationale: HB/HC would be able to utilize this tracking mechanism, to evaluate the use of the Central Information Line. This would provide data about the calls placed to ask questions and provide direction in utilizing the Nipissing District Developmental Screens. |
Click on: HB/HC Tracking Sheet to download form.
Note: this form is a PDF file and requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print. If it is not already on your system - please download it free from http://www.adobe.com/ |
