Comments on: Enhancing Quality Functional Assessments for Each Individual Family https://www.veipd.org/earlyintervention/2017/11/28/enhancing-quality-functional-assessments-for-each-individual-family/ Sharing What Works in Supporting Infants & Toddlers and the Families in Early Intervention Fri, 15 Oct 2021 20:36:47 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 By: Dana Childress, PhD https://www.veipd.org/earlyintervention/2017/11/28/enhancing-quality-functional-assessments-for-each-individual-family/#comment-2978 Wed, 21 Oct 2020 13:58:26 +0000 https://veipd.org/earlyintervention/?p=3180#comment-2978 In reply to Prem Lahr.

I love a mindful approach to functional assessment and writing the IFSP, Prem! Yes, going back to what the family has already shared really does show respect and that we were paying attention. Great suggestions!

]]> By: Prem Lahr https://www.veipd.org/earlyintervention/2017/11/28/enhancing-quality-functional-assessments-for-each-individual-family/#comment-2757 Fri, 02 Oct 2020 21:39:25 +0000 https://veipd.org/earlyintervention/?p=3180#comment-2757 One of my favorite strategies around open-ended questions is the value of choosing the leading questions in the functional assessment process mindfully. For example, referencing something the family has already mentioned in the Initial Visit. I think it conveys to the family that we prepared, have collaborated, and care about what they care about. Another strategy is the importance of starting with something that innately brings a good feeling, versus an area of developmental concern. For example, “What is a particularly special time of day that you enjoy with your child?”. I think these approaches are kind, welcoming, and respectful, especially during the long Assessment for Service Planning appointment.

]]> By: Lisa Terry, M.S., M.Ed. https://www.veipd.org/earlyintervention/2017/11/28/enhancing-quality-functional-assessments-for-each-individual-family/#comment-1733 Thu, 30 Nov 2017 20:19:03 +0000 https://veipd.org/earlyintervention/?p=3180#comment-1733 In reply to Pamela Lang.

Thank you Pamela for your wonderful insight. This is absolutely moving towards a strengths-based framework based on how a child is functioning in their natural environment. I love your comment about what we naturally see. Observation is critical because it truly gives us insight. One time, I was in an assessment for service planning and the provider was holding a two-month premature baby who became upset and crying. When the provider handed the baby to dad, you could not help but smile at the presence of the secure attachment to dad when the baby instantly relaxed and calmed in dad’s arms.

Your comment about filling out tools overtime really speaks to ongoing assessment which is a critical process in early intervention. I know this is a requirement now on contact notes to document ongoing assessment over time. Thank you for emphasizing the value of ongoing assessment.

]]> By: Pamela Lang https://www.veipd.org/earlyintervention/2017/11/28/enhancing-quality-functional-assessments-for-each-individual-family/#comment-1732 Tue, 28 Nov 2017 17:43:06 +0000 https://veipd.org/earlyintervention/?p=3180#comment-1732 Moving towards more authentic and functional assessments invites us to also use a strengths based framework. I like to comment on what we natural see the infant or child doing and accomplishing (in their parent’s arms, during feeding, how and what they notice in the environment, or making their way around). In regards to filling out tools, the best way to capture a child’s performance is overtime. Therefore, any skill that is reported or seen from intake should be readily documented, which helps to broaden the functional picture of that child across a period of time.

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