402.3027  Observation and assessment of young children in subsidized child care programs.--The Department of Children and Family Services is directed to establish a system for the behavioral observation and developmental assessment of young children in subsidized child care programs, to assist in determining appropriate developmental age level, the need for formal developmental assessment, or the need to make referrals for necessary early intervention programs and specialized services.

(1)  DEFINITIONS.--

(a)  "Developmental assessment test" means a standardized assessment test designed to identify normal child development or developmental delays.

(b)  "Developmental milestones" means behaviors that a child should be exhibiting by a certain age in the cognitive, physical/psychomotor, and social domains.

(c)  "Developmental observation checklist" means a behavioral observation instrument used to identify developmental milestones.

(d)  "Diagnostic assessments test" means a test designed to identify children with specific special needs, determine the nature of the problem, suggest the cause of the problem, and propose remediation strategies.

(e)  "School readiness tests" means tests designed to assess a child's level of preparedness for an academic program.

(2)  PRINCIPLES.--In the development of a system for the behavioral observation and developmental assessment of young children in subsidized child care, the department shall adhere to the following principles:

(a)  Informed consent of the child's parent shall be secured prior to all Level II and Level III assessments.

(b)  All standardized tests used in early childhood programs must be reliable and valid according to the technical standards of test development.

(c)  It is the responsibility of the program operator and child care staff to be knowledgeable regarding child development and the use of behavioral observation instruments.

(d)  Standardized assessment tests and diagnostic assessments tests shall only be administered by professional and trained staff.

(e)  Testing of young children must be conducted by individuals who are knowledgeable about and sensitive to the developmental needs of young children and are qualified to administer tests.

(f)  Parents shall be full partners in the assessment process and parent training shall be made available.

(3)  PROCEDURES.--The department shall implement the following assessment procedures for all children in a subsidized child care arrangement:

(a)  Level I assessment.--

1.  The purpose of Level I assessment is to identify and monitor normal development or possible developmental delay.

2.  All children in care who are between the ages of 1 year and 4 years, inclusive, shall be screened every 6 months using a department-approved developmental observation checklist.

3.  The results indicated by the checklist shall be reviewed by the facility's child development associate or by the community child care coordinating agency.

4.  The department shall establish procedures to provide feedback to parents regarding observed development and activities, including parent training, to enhance the child's cognitive, psychomotor, and social skills.

(b)  Level II assessment.--

1.  The purpose of Level II assessment is to determine whether a delay identified in a Level I assessment can be addressed by the child care facility or family day care home or whether a special service or further assessment is needed.

2.  Level II assessment shall be conducted by trained professional staff.

3.  The department shall establish procedures to:

a.  Develop individualized learning plans for implementation by the primary caregiver.

b.  Adopt and offer a program of intensive language or math activities provided by a visiting specialist.

c.  Adopt and offer a program of parent training and home visits.

(c)  Level III assessment.--When indicated by a Level II assessment, the department shall establish procedures to refer a child to Level III assessment providers such as Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resource Services; Medicaid/Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Testing (EPSDT); Children's Medical Services; and other health services, to determine eligibility for an early intervention program.