Complete the following activities to explore the importance of confidentiality and communication around observations and the skills necessary to successfully collaborate.
Be sure you include answers to all of the following questions. Each answer should be at least 3 sentences long.
First answer this question: Why is confidentiality important? What could be possible outcomes for not maintaining confidentiality?
Now, Read this:
Once youve collected and reflected on your observations of a child, you may need to talk with her/his family about the need for gathering more information. Developmental screening tools will provide more clues to how a child is growing and where the challenges are. Sometimes developmental screenings provide the information need to request early intervention, specific supports for targeted delays. By catching challenges early, you can be instrumental in getting the help a child needs for optimum growth.
You are required by Washington state law to advise the family of their child’s progress and issues relating to developmental needs and program practices. These conversations can be difficult. Following is a list of ways you might prepare yourself as a professional:
Sharing observation data with a childs family can be painful and intimidating. Often you are the first person to acknowledge atypical development about a child. Families may or may not have noticed that anything is different. Often, they become defensive and sensitive, making it difficult. Working with a co-worker to script your discussion is a good way to start.
Good documentation of your observations and knowledge of typical child development will help you to share the information objectively. With observations based on Developmental Guidelines you can confidently share your collected data with parents knowing that it is based on evidence, not opinion.
Knowing the local resources for referral is essential to help families understand what their next steps are. Have a list of local resources available so you will be able to connect families with additional information or help. It is always a good idea to call the resources in your area and establish a positive relationship and personal contact. Then you can then refer families with confidence that they will be in good care.
As discussed earlier, it is essential as a professional in this field to keep all observations and referrals confidential. Information about your observations should only be shared with the childs family, approved co-teachers and/or director. You must maintain confidentiality between the program and the childs family regarding each childs observation and assessment. Make sure you know where confidential observation records are to be kept or create a private place to keep all observation data on children.
Breaking confidentiality has LEGAL consequences. Teachers have been taken to court over this. The FERPA laws require confidential handling of student information and records for students in K-12 education and colleges. You may not share this information with unauthorized persons. Here is the website if you want to learn more about FERPA laws. https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html
Go to this website and complete the module steps. You do not need to complete the activity handouts, but you should read and watch all parts of this module and consider the answers to the questions presented. https://www.connectmodules.dec-sped.org/connect-modules/learners/module-3/introduction/
After you have completed the module answer the following questions (continued from 1. above) and turn in your answers to questions 1-7 from this assignment. Remember to cut and paste the question to the beginning of each answer:
If you prefer to format your reflection using Google slides or PowerPoint, or a graphic organizer (chart) that is your choice. Select the format for your reflection that works best for you.
Be sure you include answers to all of the following questions. Each answer should be at least 3 sentences long.
2. How does effective communication with professionals and families relate to observation and assessment?
3. What is your role in maintaining confidentiality and communicating effectively when working with specialists or collaborating partners?
4. What communication skills do you have that will help you be successful? What skills will you work on?
5. What will you do to maintain confidentiality of observation information?
6. What else did you learn from this week’s activity that will help you be an effective teacher?
7. After completing this weeks activity did the answer to question 1. above change? Why or why not?
