Below are the most commonly asked questions related to QCCN and available support. For any questions that are not covered, educators are asked to contact the QCCN Coordinator at 905-646-7311 ext. 306 or eccdc@eccdc.org.
Click on any of the topics below to jump to the Q & A:
QCCN Training
Speech
Stats
DPS/Referrals
Short-Term Specialized Funding
Behaviour C.A.R.E.
Family Engagement Surveys
Environmental Rating Scales
QCCN Developmental Tools
Documenting Children’s Learning & Programming
Miscellaneous
QCCN Training
Q: Can anyone be trained in using the QCCN tools?
A: All early learning professionals working with infant, toddler, and preschool children and using the QCCN tools can be trained in the Reflective Practice Institute ex: ECE, staff otherwise approved, supply staff.
Stats
Q: Do centres have to print off a copy of the monthly stat report or can it be saved to their computer?
A: As long as a copy is available for a consultant to view when visited, either is satisfactory.
DPS/Referrals
Q: Do staff need to complete a DPS for a child that is already on caseload and seeing a Resource Consultant?
A: No. Centres can use the DPS Tracking Sheet or DPS & Speech and Language Tracking Sheet (combined) to document the information as to which child is already on a caseload and seeing a Resource Consultant to ensure no child is missed.
Q: What type of environment is best for the child during a DPS screening?
A: Here are a few things that need to be considered:
- Child is familiar with educator completing DPS screening
- Screening is conducted in a private well-lit room with minimal distractions
- A child-sized table and chair should be used to conduct DPS screening
Remember to sit beside the child and on the side of their preferred hand ex: left or right handed.
Q: Are families welcome to observe the DPS screening?
A: Although it is not encouraged, families can observe unless the child is distracted by their family’s presence.
Q: If a parent/guardian refuses to sign DPS/C.A.R.E./Speech and Language consent form, what do we do?
A: Ultimately, it is the parent/guardian’s decision whether they would like the screening to be completed on their child. If they refuse, the centre staff always have the option of revisiting the possibility of using the tool when they feel they can approach the family again. It is also encouraged to keep ongoing open communication about the child’s development and behaviour for consistency.
Q: If a child scores 6 or under, do we need to put in a referral or rescreen in two weeks?
A: If a child is not themselves ex: sick or off day, it is recommended to stop the screening immediately and try again in two weeks or at the earliest convenience when the child is feeling better. If the screen was completed and the child was not feeling well, the child care centre can rescreen in two weeks or when the child is doing better, in which case the rescreening would have to start from the beginning (the child’s first item from the starting point). Remember to redo the age calculation for the child. If a child receives a score of 6 or under and it is under normal circumstances, the child care centre should refer.
Q: Can the DPS booklet and/or the back page be photocopied?
A: The DPS booklet is copyrighted (including the back page) and cannot be photocopied.
Q: Can the DPS booklet be sent home with the family when the child has finished in the program?
A: The DPS booklet is property of the Child Care Centre and cannot be removed from the premises.
Short Term Specialized Support Funding
Q: Is Short Term Specialized Support Funding available for school-age children?
A: Each application is viewed and considered on a case by case basis.
Speech and Language
Q: When is the cut off date for making referrals for kindergarten children?
A: The cut off date is before August 31st of the year they are eligible for Junior/Year One Kindergarten.
Q: Do the families complete the Speech and Language Referral checklist and return to the centre or is the Child Care Centre responsible for completion?
A: The Child Care Centres are advised to complete the checklist and the referral rather than directing the families to self-referral for consistency. It is preferred (but not mandatory) when completing the checklist the educator consults with the parent(s)/guardian(s). At minimum, parent(s)/guardian(s) should be asked to review the results.
Q: Does the Speech and Language Referral Checklist need to be completed if a child is already receiving services and seeing a Speech Pathologist?
A: No, there is no need to complete a checklist for that child.
Q: Is there a French version of the Speech and Language Referral Checklist?
A: Yes, there is a French version of all the Speech and Language Forms located on the QCCN website under QCCN Program Forms.
Behaviour C.A.R.E.
Q: Is there a scoring system for the C.A.R.E. checklist?
A: Although there are items for consideration, there is no scoring system for the C.A.R.E. checklist. The checklist is filled out and sent off for referral. The consultant coming in to visit the program will then determine the needs of the child.
Q: Are there services available for children over 72 months?
A: There is a walk-in clinic available to children and families at Pathstone Mental Health where services are provided.
Family Engagement Surveys
Q: When would be the best time to send out a family engagement survey and how often?
A: The family engagement surveys are completed on an annual basis. The time may vary for some centres open 12 months as oppose to others open 10 months out of the year, but each centre should consider timing with factors such as:
- When would be the best time for families to fill out and return the survey?
- When would be the best time for families to have enough information to provide feedback?
- The length of time it will take to compile the results
The results will be communicated to the families in time for them to notice areas strengthened/materials purchased
Q: Will there be an updated version of the Family Engagement Survey?
A: Strategies to Develop Family Engagement for Educators document has been developed to support programs on How to Design a Family Engagement Survey which is located on the QCCN website under QCCN Program Forms.
Q: Is there a French version of the Family Engagement Survey available through QCCN?
A: Centres are encouraged to create a family engagement survey that is unique to their own program to enhance the continuous quality improvement. Educators can refer to the Strategies to Develop Family Engagement for Educator document which includes information on How to Design a Family Engagement Survey.
Environmental Rating Scales
Q: Do the Environmental Rating scales need to be done on every classroom or can we complete for each age group? Ex: 2 kinder rooms, but complete 1 rating scale
A: The Environmental Rating Scales are completed annually on every classroom/environment rather than age group. Interactions of children and educators differ from various environments and age groups.
Q: Do the Environmental Rating Scales have to be completed for shared space? If so, what does that look like?
A: The Environmental Rating Scales do need to be completed for shared space. When completing, consider the following:
- Are the materials (can be purchased or borrowed) accessible to the children during the time of scale conducted?
- What is available on the carts for the children to access?
- What is available within your shared space for the children to access?
Q: What do centres do with the Environmental Rating Scales when completed?
A: The Environmental Rating Scales are used for reflection and action planning. Some centres use the Environmental Rating Scales Feedback Form and Resource and Inventory lists to discuss action plans based on results ex: more interactions with children, purchase of materials, having materials on offer for an extended period of time.
QCCN Developmental Tools
Q: Is the use of ALL QCCN tools a requirement or can they be used as a guide to make a version that suits the needs of the centre? Ex: Program Profile, Caregiver Interaction Scale (CIS)
A: Some tools are included in your purchase of service agreement however all QCCN tools have been created for best practices which is why all centres are encouraged to use them as part of their daily practice.
Documenting Children’s Learning and Programming
Q: Do program plans/curriculum criteria need to be posted?
A: Curriculum criteria and documentation of children’s learning is required to be available and/or visible to families and individuals entering the program. For centres that are in shared space and cannot post on walls, they may use photo albums, scrapbooks, portfolios or binders.
For centres that follow different philosophies where photos of the children and limited art work are posted, they may provide reports with photos, happenings and skills to families through portfolios or emails.
Q: Can the extended day program plan for kinder and school-age be used for nursery school programs?
A: Programs are welcome to use or create their own program plans based on the requirements of the curriculum criteria.
Miscellaneous
Q: If Supervisors are included in ratios at the centre, do they need a supply staff in for our annual QCCN visit?
A: The QCCN annual support visits are a combination of the QCCN consultants and Supervisor/designate discussing QCCN components and viewing aspects of the program. If a Supervisor is not available at all for discussion, the visit can be rescheduled or booked at a time where the Supervisor would be available ex: administration time.