Child Screenings & Assessments – DECA

POLICY:

NOCAC Head start will use the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment (DECA)  as evidence-based screening to identify concerns regarding a child’s behavioral, social, and emotional skills within 45 calendar days of the child’s entry into the program

PROCEDURES:

1. Within the first 45 days a child is in the program, the Teaching team will complete a DECA developmental screening in the child’s least restrictive environment. The parent/guardian will also complete a screening.
2. After the assessment has been completed, it will be entered into the eDECA website for tracking by the Teacher. The Teacher should then contact the Disability Services coordinator (DSC) to communicate completion. The DSC will then enter it into the child’s profile on Child plus. The teacher screening is recorded under the Education tab, and the Parent screening is recorded under the mental health tab.
3. If the scores cause concern, the teacher will discuss the possibility of referral for IDEA services with the Classroom Coach and Mentor (CCM). The CCM and DSC will create a Child Service Plan with the Teaching team to help support the child.
4. The parents will be informed of the screening results by the teacher. They will be asked for input for the CSP if one is need. They will be informed of the intervention process and asked to sign a Release of information form (ROI) and a Child Service plan Form (CSPR).
5. The CCM will then follow the Referral Process Policy to determine of the child is eligible for services through IDEA.
6. The DECA screening will be completed two more times throughout the program year- (mid) in the middle of the year, (post) and at the end of the year. Screening dates will be determined as needed each program year. If scores cause concern, the child will be re-evaluated.
7. The Data team generates the updated enrollment status every Monday.

Forms and Additional Guidance:

• Devereux Early Childhood Assessment
• Release of Information (ROI) Form
• Child Service Plan Referral