What should you do after identifying a child that needs further assessment?

After identifying a child that needs further assessment, it is crucial to talk to the parent and direct them to the right resources. This approach is essential because parents play a vital role in their child's development and can provide important context regarding the child's behavior or developmental concerns. Engaging with the parent helps to ensure they are informed and supportive of any next steps related to their child's needs.

Directing them to the appropriate resources, such as specialists or local programs, empowers them to seek the necessary evaluations or interventions. This collaborative and supportive approach fosters trust and encourages parental involvement in the process, which can lead to better outcomes for the child.

In contrast, ignoring the situation can lead to a lack of support for the child, while assessing the child yourself falls outside the scope of most professionals trained in behavioral observation and screening. Referring the parent to another child care provider does not directly address the child's needs and could leave the parent feeling confused or unsupported. Therefore, the best course of action involves communication with the parents and providing them with the tools and knowledge to pursue further assessments.