2.3.3.2: Communication from Specialists

Health and safety, education, and other specialists/professionals who come into the facility to furnish special services to a child should communicate at each visit with the caregiver/teacher at the facility. The specialist/professional must also be certain that all communication shared with caregivers/teachers is shared directly with the parent/guardian. These specialists may include, but are not limited to, physicians, registered nurses, child care health consultants, behavioral consultants (e.g., psychologists, counselors, clinical social workers), occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, educational therapists, registered dietitians, and play facilitator. The discussions should be documented in the child’s Care Plan.

Specialists should use the facility’s sign in/sign out system for accurate tracking of their interactions with or on behalf of the child.

RATIONALE

Therapeutic services must be coordinated with the child’s general education program and with the parents/guardians and caregivers/teachers so everyone understands the child’s needs. To be most useful, the service providers must share the therapeutic techniques with the caregivers/teachers and parents/guardians and integrate them into the child’s daily routines, not just at therapy sessions. Parent/guardian consent to share information may be necessary. A child care health consultant can be helpful in coordinating these techniques and treatments.

TYPE OF FACILITY

Center, Early Head Start, Head Start, Large Family Child Care Home, Small Family Child Care Home

RELATED STANDARDS

9.2.4.7 Sign-In/Sign-Out System
9.4.2.1 Contents of Child’s Records
9.4.2.2 Pre-Admission Enrollment Information for Each Child
9.4.2.3 Contents of Admission Agreement Between Child Care Program and Parent/Guardian
9.4.2.4 Contents of Child’s Primary Care Provider’s Assessment
9.4.2.5 Health History
9.4.2.6 Contents of Medication Record
9.4.2.7 Contents of Facility Health Log for Each Child
9.4.2.8 Release of Child’s Records