Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/children-at-risk-the-directors-role-in-identification-and-early-intervention/5011132/
In January of 1993, an intensive job analysis of the position of child care center director was conducted by the human resource company, Scheig and Associates. From this analysis, 450 job specific behaviors were identified. While all of these behaviors were not rated equally as to importance or as to priority, their sheer magnitude gives weight and validity to the complexity of the center director's job.One of the most complex tasks of the center director is that of identifying and intervening on behalf of a child at risk, whether the risk be one of neglect, abuse, or developmental delay, as any intervention will undoubtedly impact the family, and potentially the center. At least in the case of suspicion of child abuse and/or neglect, there are clear reporting guidelines, as determined by law, to be followed.
No element of choice is involved in this decision. Not so with the suspicion or evidence of developmental delay, behavioral problems, or learning disability. When a concerned teacher, staff member, or parent brings to the director's attention the difficulties of a particular child, many factors come into play. The director must determine whether the problem is seemingly emotional or developmental ...