Let’s Grow: The Importance of Screening and Follow Up
Sparkler chatted with Kirsten Carlone, the lead care coordinator at 211 Child Development, who is featured in the new video (above) about the importance of developmental screening and following up with families who complete ASQs.
Tell us about your role at 211 Child Development.
I am the Lead Care Coordinator with 211 Child Development. My primary role is following up with families who use the Sparkler app. I also provide outreach and training for families and programs.
How do you support families who have completed an ASQ (Ages & Stages Questionnaire)?
I support families by helping them understand the screening questions and results. I provide information on developmental milestones and can connect families to free programs in Connecticut, like Birth to Three, Preschool Special Education, and Help Me Grow.
What steps do you take after receiving the results?
After a family completes a screening, I review the results and the caregiver’s responses. If the responses indicate a score of monitor or refer, or the caregiver wrote in a specific concern, I reach out to the family by phone to discuss it.
How do you guide families who have concerns?
If while speaking with the family, concerns are identified, I will support the family in connecting to programs like Birth to Three, Preschool Special Education, or Help Me Grow. I will also share play activities and parenting tips through the Sparkler app so the family can play together while working on the areas of concern.
Can you tell us about the follow-up form and why follow-up is so important?
The follow-up form is important because it helps providers keep track of follow-ups that are due. It gives providers a place to record their recommendations and other matters discussed during follow-up. Filling out the follow-up form also allows Sparkler to track data. Having this data helps us see what recommendations are being made and how families are being supported by their program across the state.
How does the follow-up form help track a child’s progress and needs?
The follow-up form helps track a child’s progress because each form is saved within the dashboard. Providers are able to look back on past screenings and the recommendations that were made. This can be especially helpful when reviewing a new screening and providing new recommendations.
