Authors

  1. Branson, Diane PhD
  2. Bingham, Ann PhD

Abstract

Despite the benefits of early intervention for children, the majority of children with developmental delays are not identified prior to the age of 5 years. Child care providers could aid in recognition of children at risk for developmental delays; however, there is little research on this topic. This article reports on a qualitative research study used to investigate child care providers' ability to accurately assess child development and make appropriate referrals to Child Find agencies. Initial data analysis suggested that child care providers were able to recognize children at risk for developmental delays with or without using a standardized screening tool. The child care participants did not, however, always indicate that they would refer those children with whom they were concerned. Qualitative interview results revealed important supports that aid in child care providers identifying children at risk for developmental delays, as well as barriers that interfere with child care providers making appropriate referrals to Child Find agencies.