Lil’ Bears conducts assessments for every child enrolled, following a systematic process using both Child Plus and DRDP. Child Plus is a Head Start Data Management System used to document and produce parent, individual, group, etc. reports. DRDP or Desired Results Developmental Profile is a program designed for educators to observe, document, and reflect on the learning, development, and progress of children, birth through 12 years of age, who are enrolled in programs such as Lil’ Bears.

 

This process is ongoing and includes observing and collecting information, evaluating their skills, and comparing them to specific objectives of learning and development, and then planning curriculum to scaffold learning. We look for development in the areas of Approaches to Learning- Self-Regulation, Social and Emotional, Language and Literacy, English Language, Cognition-including Math and Science, Physical Development-Health, History-Social Science, and Visual and Performing Art. By following this system, we hope to encourage school readiness and determine any needs that might require additional resources.

Information that is collected includes documented observations of children, photographs of projects or constructions, samples of their work. Observations are conducted at childcare during normal daily activities and routines and are sensitive to abilities and disabilities. Information from families is also helpful to track their progress and determine needs.

The collection of information is ongoing, and assessments are conducted quarterly in February, June, August, and November.  Parents/guardians will be notified when an assessment for their child is complete and are encouraged to meet with Gloria to discuss goals for learning and development. All child and family information are confidential and shared only with professional resources with parental permission and collaboration. 

 

Any referrals for professional services will be supported by Lil’ Bears Childcare to include ongoing consultation and/or referrals with families and professional resources/services.  Communication and consultation will be regular and presented in a way that best supports the family’s literacy level, abilities, family culture, and home language. This includes participation in Individualized Family Support Plans (IFSP) and /or Individualized Educational Plans (IEP). When needed the provider may have involving families, interpreters or translators to assist with the assessment process.

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Parents/guardians may use the following resources to seek resources available for developmental screenings:

• Help Me Grow (HMG) Maine is a free information line

  • Call by dialing 211 option 5 to speak to a Family Support Specialist who will listen, link you to services, and provide ongoing support when needed.

• The Child Development Services system (CDS) functions as an Intermediate Educational Unit that offers Early Intervention services for children from birth to two years of age, as well as Free Appropriate Public Education for children aged three to five years. This system operates under the oversight of the Maine Department of Education.

  • Call 877-770-8883 to make a referral 

• Make an appointment with your child’s Primary Care Provider (PCP) to discuss development and referrals

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Professional development for Lil’ Bears staff will include training in referral processes.

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Confidentiality Clause

We maintain confidentiality and respect the family’s right to privacy, refraining from disclosure of confidential information, unless we have reason to believe that a child’s welfare is at risk. All child records are retained for 7 years after withdrawal. Legal guardians may have access to their child’s record during hours the facility is open.