What is the importance of communicating with parents in this process?

• A. It is optional
• B. It is important; you must be clear about the need for assessment and its benefits to the child
• C. It should be avoided until after the assessment
• D. It only concerns scheduling

Answer: (B)

Communicating with parents is essential because this process works best when families are informed, partnered, and involved. Being clear about why an assessment is happening and how its results will help the child ensures parents understand the purpose, what information will be gathered, and how the findings will guide supports and next steps. This transparency builds trust, supports consent, and invites parents to share valuable insights from home, which helps create a more accurate picture of the child’s needs.

When parents understand the benefits—early planning, targeted interventions, and a consistent approach between home and child care—the collaboration becomes a key driver of better outcomes for the child. Communication also prepares families for what to expect, timelines, and how progress will be shared, which reduces confusion and anxiety.

Saying that communication is optional, or postponing it until after the assessment, or treating it as only about scheduling misses the opportunity to involve families in meaningful ways and to align on goals and supports from the start.